UNITED WAY OF BUFFALO & ERIE COUNTY ANNOUNCES 2026 WINNERS OF PITCH10
Milestone event at Shea’s Performing Arts Center showcased 10 grassroots organizations competing for $50,000 in prize grants
BUFFALO, N.Y. – October 23, 2026 – United Way of Buffalo & Erie County celebrated the 10th anniversary of Pitch10 on Thursday, October 22, at Shea’s Performing Arts Center. The milestone event showcased 10 nonprofit organizations that presented their ideas to a live audience, competing for a share of $50,000 in prize grants, including a top grant of $25,000. The finalists’ initiatives aligned with United Way’s focus areas of Healthy Community, Financial Security and Youth Opportunity.
Pitch10 2026’s first, second, and third-place awardees are:
First Prize – $25,000 – Grace Guest House
Supports patients and their families by providing a haven and place of respite while receiving care at regional medical facilities.
Second Prize – $12,000 – Purposefully Pursuing Peace
Purposefully Pursuing Peace develops purpose-driven leaders who pursue justice, love mercy, and walk humbly. This is accomplished by mentoring young men, equipping emerging leaders, and creating opportunities for personal, spiritual, and professional growth.
Third Prize – $6,000 – Community Wellness Works Giving
Community Wellness Works Giving empowers underserved communities through innovative programs that improve health outcomes, promote financial security, and create opportunities for lifelong success.
The prize package also includes scholarships to United Way’s Executive Edge leadership program and Board Leadership Training for nonprofit board members. Beyond the top three grant winners, the seven remaining participating organizations Cooperation Buffalo, Let’s Raise Our Babies, Buffalo Arts Studio, National Federation for Just Communities of Western New York, Positive Direction Foundation, Inc., Adversity Builds Character and Beyond Borders Athletics – each received a $1,000 micro-grant courtesy of the prize pool sponsors, ensuring no organization left empty-handed.
“Winning a Pitch10 grant is an incredible opportunity for our organization and will help us give comfort to more families facing medical emergencies” said Stephanie Lawson, Executive Director of Grace Guest House “We are grateful to United Way of Buffalo & Erie County for creating a platform that elevates emerging nonprofits, invests in local leadership and connects organizations like ours with the resources and support needed to grow. This recognition means so much to our team and the families we serve.”
The 10th anniversary celebration was made possible through the support of event sponsors, coaches, community partners and attendees. Empower Federal Credit Union served as the premier sponsor, with support from the Rich Family Foundation, Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation and other partners.
About United Way of Buffalo & Erie County
For nearly 110 years, United Way of Buffalo & Erie County has worked to improve health, expand youth opportunities and strengthen the financial stability of every person in our community. By forging partnerships, finding new solutions and mobilizing resources, United Way works to address the community’s most pressing challenges. Learn more at uwbec.org.