goodgivingTOP-300x300
The third annual GoodGiving Guide Challenge, an online fundraising effort presented by Smiley Pete Publishing and Blue Grass Community Foundation, has surpassed its $1 million goal, and its organizers are hoping to raise even more money on behalf of 108 regional nonprofits as the campaign winds down on Dec. 31.
The fundraiser passed the $1 million mark on Dec. 18, the current total is nearly $1,140,000, a combination of $929,045 raised from 3,403 donations and $210,500 from awarded challenge prizes. Prichard Community for Academic Excellence has brought in the most money, with $45,021, and God's Pantry Food Bank is in second place with $40,692 raised, and also has the most individual donations, at 249.
To add to the total, today, Dec. 19, the nonprofits participating in the project will vie for $100,000 in matching funds during the challenge's Endow the Bluegrass Day. Through midnight, or until the or until the $100,000 in $.50 matching funds is exhausted, all money raised will go into a new or existing non-profit endowment at Blue Grass Community Foundation (BGCF) for the benefit of each qualifying non-profit.
Non-profits that do not already have an endowment established at BGCF can still participate and qualify for the matching funds if they raise $5,000 Thursday (non-profits without an endowment at BGCF that raise less than $5,000 will still get the donations as part of the regular GoodGiving Guide minus the match).
Donors can make contributions of any size which will be matched $.50 on the dollar on contributions up to $5,000 per non-profit for a maximum match of $2,500 per nonprofit, per donor. Donors may contribute to as many nonprofits as they choose.
“Supporting non-profit excellence, sustainability and endowment building are all central to the mission of Blue Grass Community Foundation,” said BGCF President and CEO Lisa Adkins. “The best part is that the $100,000 endowment matching pool will generate at least $300,000 in new, permanent charitable assets for Bluegrass non-profits.”
Tomorrow, Dec. 20, the Lexington Charity Club will be hosting its 12th annual Christmas party, proceeds from the event will benefit the GoodGiving Guide Challenge. The event is from 9:30 p.m. - 2 a.m. at Art Bar (815 Euclid Ave.). Tickets are $40 in advance and $50 at the door; last year's event had over 600 people in attendance. For more information about the event, click here.