Get Together and Give Back on March 5, Giving Day

Round up family, friends, co-workers or clubs and get ready to “give where you live,” Fairfield County! The second annual Giving Day will be held Thursday, March 5, with the goal of raising $1 million for local nonprofits, all in just 24 hours via online donations at FCGives.org.

Everyone is encouraged to participate, simply by making an online donation at FCGives.org during the 24 hours of Thursday, March 5. This easy, secure website lets you search for your favorite nonprofits and causes (such as education, animal welfare, stopping hunger) so that your donations will directly support their important work. Even gifts as small as $10 can make a difference; a perfect way for kids to give back.

What’s more, your gift – whatever the size – will help the participating nonprofits compete for 30 cash prizes ranging from $500 to $25,000. These additional awards are funded by lead sponsor Bank of America, sponsoring businesses, other institutions and individual donors.

Initiated last year by Fairfield County’s Community Foundation, Giving Day raised a generous $750,000. “A jump to $1,000,000 this year would be tremendous,” said Juanita James, the Foundation’s CEO.

National research conducted last year by the Nonprofit Finance Fund shows that most Connecticut nonprofits (78%) saw a significant increase in demand for their services in 2013 yet, due to reduced contributions, more than half of them (57%) were unable to meet that demand.

Individuals, businesses and organizations interested in sponsoring Giving Day or learning more may visit FCGives.org or call the Community Foundation at 203-750-3200.