Local Lift Judge Briefing

What You Are Judging

Eight organizations from across our community will each pitch an innovative solution to a challenge they have identified. Innovation here means reimagining how we solve our community's toughest challenges by bringing together people, ideas, resources, and technology to create solutions that are more equitable, effective, and scalable.

A solution can qualify as innovative in any of these ways:

• A completely new idea that does not yet exist.
• An idea new to our area, even if it is established elsewhere.
• An expansion of an existing effort into new reach or new populations.
• A new way to scale an existing solution more effectively.
• Another form of innovation, if the team makes the case for why it qualifies.

Four points every pitch must establish

• The problem: Clearly define the challenge you are solving, and why it needs to be solved.
• The idea: What are you proposing, what makes it new or different, and why is it the right fix for this problem?
• The outcome: What will actually change for the people or community you serve once your idea is in place? Focus on the real difference it makes, not just the work you put into it.
• Why it matters: Why this problem is urgent and why people in the room should care about your solution right now. Don't just describe it — make them believe it.

Presenters have been told not to assume you know their issue area. Expect them to establish the need before the solution, and score clarity and delivery alongside the four points.