Responding to increasing demand for services from nonprofit organizations — exacerbated by a decrease in charitable contributions — Fairfield County’s Community Foundation last year established Fairfield County Giving Day. This year it takes place Thursday, March 5.
The goal is to raise $1 million for local nonprofits in 24 hours via online donations at FCGives.org.
According to the foundation, national research conducted last year by the Nonprofit Finance Fund shows 78% of Connecticut nonprofits saw a significant increase in demand for their services in 2013 yet, due to reduced contributions, 57% were unable to meet that demand.
Participating in Giving Day is simple. Individuals, families, companies, clubs and groups may make a donation beginning 12 a.m. March 5, to 11:59 p.m. The minimum contribution is $10.
This is more than just a day of donations. The nonprofits that have registered for Giving Day will 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.
Local nonprofits participating this year include:
• A Better Chance of Wilton, Inc.;
• Center For Coastal Preservation, Inc.;
• Circle of Care for Families of Children with Cancer, Inc.;
• Connecticut Appleseed Center for Law & Justice, Inc.;
• Friends of Ambler Farm;
• Friends of the Norwalk River Valley Trail;
• Meals on Wheels of Wilton, Inc.;
• Mianus Chapter of Trout Unlimited;
• Stay at Home in Wilton, Inc.;
• Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Fairfield County;
• Wilton Family YMCA;
• Wilton Go Green;
• Wilton Historical Society;
• Wilton Volunteer Ambulance Corps;
• Woodcock Nature Center.
Information: FCGives.org or call the foundation at 203-750-3200.
Fairfield County’s Community Foundation promotes philanthropy as a means to create change, focusing on innovative and collaborative solutions to critical issues impacting the community. It has awarded $180 million in grants to nonprofits in Fairfield County and beyond. Information: fccfoundation.org.