The Power of Giving Days

This year, thousands of charities nationwide are struggling to fill an increasing demand for their services while at the same time dealing with government spending cutbacks. To help fill the funding gap, community foundations and civic groups across the country have hosted a “giving day”: a 24 hour fundraising competition that rallies businesses and individuals to support local nonprofits. It’s an effective method for nonprofits to expand and revitalize their network of donors, increase brand awareness, and grow revenue with the utilization of social technology.

On November 9, Razoo has partnered with the Community Foundation for the National Capital Region and the United Way of the National Capital Area to host a giving day for thousands of Washington DC area nonprofits called Give to the Max Day: Greater Washington. Nonprofits will compete in a region-wide competition for $100,000 in cash awards by mobilizing their supporters to raise as much money and involve as many people as possible in order to win. The goal for this massive 24-hour event is to raise $3 million in donations and grants for regional charities in a single day.

While this is the inaugural year for Give to the Max Day: Greater Washington, Razoo has a history of successful giving days. For the past several years, Razoo has had a partnership with GiveMN, a nonprofit that works in support of The Minnesota Community Foundation. In 2009, GiveMN successfully raised $14 million in one day using Razoo. Learn more about the success that GiveMN and Razoo have had with giving days.

In addition to Give to the Max: Greater Washington on the November 9, Razoo is also hosting several other regional giving days across the country:

Telluride, Colorado – Telluride Gives – November 1–11, 2011

The Telluride Foundation is reaching out to its surrounding community for an eleven-day period in the effort to increase support of area nonprofits through social media and online giving. Individual Telluride nonprofits will build project pages so donors can specifically choose what project to support.

Park City, Utah – Live PC Give PC – November 11, 2011

The Park City Foundation in partnership with other area nonprofits is coming together for a one-day online event that encourages all of Summit County, Utah to donate to local organizations. The goal of this giving day is to shape a community where citizens support and contribute to local philanthropy. Park City is also offering cash prizes to participating nonprofits.

Minnesota – The Great Minnesota Give Together – November 16, 2011

GiveMN in support of the Minnesota Community Foundation is once again launching its own Give to the Max Day. GiveMN seeks to revolutionize charitable giving in Minnesota by offering new online tools to fundraisers and helping individuals find and learn about area nonprofits. GiveMN also has available cash prizes for participating nonprofits on the day of the event and a Youtube video promotional contest as well.

Lexington, Nebraska – Give BIG Lexington – November 17, 2011

The Lexington Community Foundation has designed a one-day giving challenge to raise money and awareness for local nonprofit organizations. During this online event, a share of every donation made to a nonprofit will be matched with funds from the Lexington Community Foundation.

Nevada – Nevada’s Big Give – November 17, 2011

Similar to GiveMN, Nevada’s Big Give is a statewide giving day in support of promoting Nevada-based nonprofits.

If you’re interested in creating a giving day in your community, have your local community foundation contact partnerships@razoo.com.

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