906 local nonprofits receive donations during the Biggest Give ever
The Columbus Foundation announced a new record for The Big Give, with a preliminary $18,002,517 raised to support 906 central Ohio nonprofits.
The Big Give, a 26-hour online community giving rally to support local nonprofits, saw a 20 percent increase over the last event held in 2015 that leveraged $15,015,821 million. A record number of donations, 30,306, were received this year. Donations were received from 49 states, the District of Columbia, and 7 countries.
“We have just shown central Ohio at its best with this historic moment in charitable giving,” said Douglas F. Kridler, President and CEO of The Columbus Foundation. “We are exhausted but exhilarated after 26 hours that so many nonprofit organizations – 906 to be exact – and the people they serve will benefit from this stirring outpouring of support for others.”
All donations received during The Big Give were eligible for Bonus Pool Funds on a pro rata basis, giving everyone who participated the opportunity to have their donation(s) amplified. In addition, all credit card fees were covered by The Columbus Foundation, so 100 percent of donations will go directly to the nonprofits.
This morning the Foundation announced that more Columbus Foundation donors joined together to boost the Bonus Pool to $1.4+ million—meaning each contribution goes even further to help nonprofits in our community!
The $1.4+ million Bonus Pool that helped amplify everyone’s giving was made possible with generous support from the AEP Foundation, Blom Family Fund, Chlapaty Family Fund, Central Benefits Health Care Foundation, The Columbus Foundation, Tanny Crane and John Wolff Fund, William H. Davis, Dorothy M. Davis and William C. Davis Foundation, Delaware County Foundation, Paul G. Duke Foundation, Walter and Marian English Community Needs Fund, Michael and Denise Glimcher Family Fund, Hinson Family Trust, Ingram-White Castle Foundation, Kramer – Celeste Family Fund, L Brands Foundation, Licking County Foundation, Marsh Family Foundation, John H. McConnell Foundation, Meuse Family Foundation, Nationwide Insurance, Harold C. Schott Foundation, Siemer Family Foundation, Seanna C. and Matthew D. Walter Fund, Walter Family Foundation, Robert F. Wolfe and Edgar T. Wolfe Foundation, and Worthington Industries.
Thanks to six generous, homegrown businesses that joined the Foundation as promotional partners—Donatos, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, Homage, Hot Chicken Takeover, Piada Italian Street Food, and White Castle—everyone who gave during The Big Give received perks for supporting their favorite nonprofits when they showed proof of their donation.
The Foundation’s popular Big Give Instagram contest was again used as a way for nonprofits and individuals to spread the message and encourage everyone in the community to give big. More than 1,200 entries were received using the hashtag #biggive. A total of 14 winners were chosen by promotional partners and Foundation staff. Winners received grants ranging from $500-$1,500 to award to the nonprofit of their choice.
For the first time, The Big Give was expanded beyond Franklin County to include nine additional central Ohio counties in the Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA): Delaware, Fairfield, Hocking, Licking, Madison, Morrow, Perry, Pickaway, and Union. In total, the nine counties (outside of Franklin County) received $1,064,396 to benefit 195 nonprofits.
During The Big Give, a number of nonprofits hosted special events to celebrate the day of giving. Harmony Project conducted a “Kindness Around the Clock” campaign, visiting nonprofits over a 24-hour time period to do random acts of kindness. Wild Goose Creative, Local Matters, and The Childhood League among others hosted festivities to celebrate their donors’ generosity.
The Columbus Foundation is working to capture The Spirit of Columbus through images that showcase the determination, dedication, and commitment of people in our smart + open community. Be sure to check out columbusfoundation.org and follow along on Facebook as we continue to celebrate The Spirit of Columbus through photography. You can also tune in on Twitter or Instagram.