The official day for the online event presented by the Communities Foundation of Texas is Sept. 22, but early giving began Sept. 1. Donors have until midnight Sept. 22 to make a donation.
North Texas Giving Day is the largest communitywide event of its kind in the U.S., according to a news release. The goal is to raise awareness about the needs of nonprofits while streamlining the giving process for donors.
“We want each member of this community to know the power they have to make a real and lasting difference,” said Dave Scullin, president and CEO of Communities Foundation of Texas, in the release. “When donors make a gift—no matter the size—they prove that the generosity of many is what elevates the nonprofits that provide invaluable service to North Texas.”
Last year’s event raised a combined $66 million from more than 103,000 donors, according to the release. Since its start in 2009, North Texas Giving Day has raised more than $441 million for nonprofits.
McKinney-based Lift R&R received $1,500 from new donors the first year that it joined the online giving event.
“North Texas Giving Day has helped us to reach donors that didn’t know about the programs we offer and how much they truly make a difference in our community,” Executive Director Rolanda Macharia said in a release. “This has led to collaborations and new recurring donors to help support our mission of serving families in poverty with free resources, furniture, clothing and health care referrals.”
The Dallas Zoo is also among the participating nonprofits.
“The Dallas Zoo uses North Texas Giving Day to connect with both new and long-time donors and share the many ways we’re creating a better world for animals,” said Rhealyn Carter, vice president of advancement for the zoo, in the release. “In addition to inspiring guests, donors on North Texas Giving Day help us provide exceptional care behind the scenes by covering unexpected or unusual costs – things like special formula for baby tigers and staff overtime for late-night bottle feedings.”
Rescue Party Give founder Jennifer Keltner said the donations help further the mission of her nonprofit based in Denton County.
“This year we are excited about growing our vision and mission to protect the next generation from becoming victims of human trafficking,” Keltner said in the release.
Lauren Richard, president and CEO of Camp Fire First Texas, said last year’s donations helped her nonprofit buy a bus to connect teens to experiences related to college, career and community service.
“We know that when teens are introduced to a world of possibilities, they thrive and chart a unique course for their success,” Keltner said in the release, adding donations this year will be used in part to help more teens.
The website for North Texas Giving Day allows donors to search for nonprofits by location and category as well as with other filters so their money goes to the causes they care most about.
To learn more or to make a donation, visit www.northtexasgivingday.org.
