Lexington, KY - In May 2010, BGCF commissioned a market research survey of over 500 Lexington residents over the age of 18. Twenty percent of those surveyed could not name a single charity. Of those that could name one, 42 percent could not name a second. And yet most respondents did contribute to a nonprofit within the last year.
There is no doubt that the people of Lexington are charitable - they have causes they believe in and they want to help. Our goal at Blue Grass Community Foundation is to educate all donors about the services our local nonprofits provide - and to grow a more dynamic pool of well-informed givers. We believe that the more people know about our community's needs and the many amazing local charities serving those needs, the more they'll give.
That's why we're so excited about partnering with Smiley Pete Publications on the 2011 GoodGiving Guide and Giving Challenge.
"Sometimes it feels easier to contribute to a large, well-known national organization," said Lisa Adkins, president/CEO of Blue Grass Community Foundation. "The GoodGiving Guide will highlight local nonprofits that do such good work right here. We're all aware of the importance of eating, shopping, and buying locally. It's just as important to give locally."
The 2011 GoodGiving Guide and Giving Challenge will help Lexington donors do just that. The GoodGiving Guide will feature clear, concise online portraits of 58 Lexington nonprofits. Smiley Pete Publishing will also produce 55,000 copies of a print version of the magazine for distribution to potential donors throughout Lexington. The challenge will take place during the busiest giving season of the year - Oct. 27 to Dec. 31. And just to make things more interesting, the Community Foundation will provide $10,000 in awards to organizations with the most donations, most new gifts, youngest donors, etc.
"For as many unique needs as there are in our community, there are just as many unique desires to give," said Adkins.
"Our role is to help givers of all means find meaningful opportunities to use their passion for good. We are thrilled to combine the Community Foundation's expertise in philanthropy with the power of Smiley Pete's publications to bring this fun, innovative way to give to our community."
Blue Grass Community Foundation's mission is to encourage everyone, no matter what their means, to get involved and make a difference. The GoodGiving Guide and Giving Challenge is one more positive step in that direction.
To learn more about Blue Grass Community Foundation and how you can make a difference, contact Lisa Adkins at ladkins@bgcf.org or (859)225-3343.
Barbara Fischer is director of nonprofit services for Blue Grass Community
Foundation.