STEP Wins "Advance San Diego" Competition, Boosts Military Family Aid

SAN DIEGO, Oct. 10, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Support the Enlisted Project (STEP) has been named a winner in the Advance San Diego competition created by Social Venture Partners (SVP) to recognize top nonprofits in San Diego. The competition was held last night at the La Jolla Museum of Contemporary Art and resulted in the awarding of $85,500 in grants to winning organizations. In total, STEP received $25,000 and was voted one of the winners from a total original group of 67 applicants and thirty semi-finalists.

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"We are extremely pleased to be selected as a winner within this excellent group of nonprofits," said Tony Teravainen, STEP President/CEO. "This competition showcased the best-of-the-best and we were thrilled to have an opportunity to shine a light on the needs of our military families and those who are struggling to reenter the civilian community. This is really their victory and greatly enhances our ability to tell the story of military families who most need our help." 

Modeled after popular "fast pitch" venture capital funding competitions, the competitors were given just 180 seconds to present their cases.  A panel of independent judges determined cash awards and the audience voted for their own winner as well.

"This was a great opportunity to be mentored by community business leaders and to spread the word about our mission. These generous awards will go a long way to help many military families in need," said Teravainen. "We hope our message in this competition will inspire others to invest in our vision and work to help the military members and their families who have dedicated their lives in service to our nation."

SVP offered three segments in the fast-pitch competition, including, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math), Military & their Families, and Youth & the Arts. STEP will be awarded a grant totaling $15,000 as the winner in the Military category as well as an additional $10,000 for first place in the Audience Choice Awards.

About STEP 

STEP is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to providing financial grants to active duty and veteran families during times of crisis and working with them to develop a path to financial self-sufficiency. Go to www.stepsocal.org to see how you can become involved in supporting our junior military families when they most need our support.

Contact: Steve McClelland

Phone: 858-695-6810

Email

SOURCE Support the Enlisted Project