Register now for the 2026 Key Club International Convention!

Turn your BIG service idea into reality

Have a BIG idea that could transform your community?

Gather a team to compete at the 2026 Key Club International Convention for up to US$10,000 in funding to bring your team’s vision to life.


(Applications due May 1, 2026)

💡 WHAT IS KEY CLUB’S BIG PITCH?

Key Club’s Big Pitch is a startup-style competition in which members from the same Key Club or district build teams and present innovative service initiatives on an international stage.

Whether you’re launching something new or expanding an existing project, this is your team’s chance to:

  • Think BIGGER.
  • Collaborate across your club or district.
  • Create lasting, global impact.
  • Connect with the Kiwanis family to broaden your reach.

Project types:

  • 🌱 New initiatives ready to launch
  • 🔁 Existing projects ready to grow

🏆 FUNDING & AWARDS 

Bring your BIG ideas to life with real support from a Youth Opportunities Fund grant: 

  • 🥇 US$10,000 — First place 
  • 🥈 US$3,500 — Second place 
  • 🥉 US$1,500 — Third place 

🛤️ HOW IT WORKS 

Step 1: Build, develop and apply.

Build your team with members from the same club or district, identify a community need, connect with a nonprofit or community organization that aligns with that need, develop your idea and submit your service project proposal. 

📅 Deadline: May 1, 2026

Step 2: Get selected. 

A review committee evaluates submissions and selects top teams. If your team is selected as a finalist, you will need to choose two to five team members who must be able to attend* the 2026 Key Club International Convention to present the BIG pitch. 

* Need help attending this year’s convention? Check out our Sponsorship Toolkit for more information.

📢 Finalists notified by mid-May 2026 

Step 3: Create your pitch. 

If selected, your team will prepare: 

    • A tabletop display 
    • A three- to five-minute stage presentation 
    • One static slide 

Step 4: Pitch live! 

Present your team’s idea on stage at the 2026 Key Club International Convention during a start-up style competition. 

📱 Key Club convention attendees from around the world will help pick the winner by voting during the event using online software. 

Step 5: Win and launch. 

Winners will be announced on Thursday, July 2, during the convention’s Celebration of Service session. Funds will be distributed to the winning teams after the convention. All winning projects must be completed within 12 months of receiving grant funds, and a representative from the winning team must present the final grant report at the 2027 Key Club International Convention.

🎤 WHAT MAKES A GREAT PITCH? 

Standout teams will: 

  • Define a real community need with clear supporting insight.  
  • Show strong understanding of the issue and who it affects.  
  • Be led by members with clear roles and a solid plan.  
  • Present a realistic, achievable solution.  
  • Deliver measurable impact beyond fundraising.  
  • Demonstrate potential for long-term growth or sustainability. 

🚀 WHY PARTICIPATE? 

  • Gain international recognition. 
  • Develop leadership and presentation skills. 
  • Collaborate with passionate peers. 
  • Secure funding to grow or start your team’s project. 
  • Make a BIG impact in your community. 

🤝HOW DO I JOIN (OR START) A TEAM? 

This is a new Key Club competition — so every member is starting from the same place. This is your chance to step up, take the lead and help shape the first year of Key Club’s Big Pitch.

If your team is selected as a finalist, you will need to choose two to five team members who must be able to attend* the 2026 Key Club International Convention to present the BIG pitch. 

* Need help attending this year’s convention? Check out our Sponsorship Toolkit for more information.

For all teams: 

  • Build your team with members from the same club or district. 
  • Choose a project your club or district is already planning or working on — or develop a brand-new idea specifically for this competition.  
  • Make sure your idea clearly identifies a community need and proposes a meaningful solution.  
  • Identify a nonprofit or community partner connected to the need. This partner can be a school program, agency, nonprofit, community group or service provider related to your project’s focus. 

Option 1: Start a team. 

  • Find other Key Club members in your district who are excited about developing and pitching a service project.  
  • Connect with your club and district leaders, as well as your advisor, to gain official support.  

Option 2: Join a team. 

  • Watch for teams forming in your club or district — leaders may help recruit members.  
  • Let your advisor or club officers know you’re interested in joining.  

📌 READY TO GET STARTED? 

Your team’s idea could be the next BIG impact story. 

Don’t wait, take the stage! 


Deadline: May 1, 2026