In an effort to help job-creating nonprofits raise money and awareness, and put Americans back to work, The Huffington Post, McKinsey & Co. and The Skoll Foundation are sponsoring the first-ever JobRaising Challenge.
More than 200 nonprofits from 31 states applied to compete in the challenge, but only 74 were selected. And Central Ohio’s Economic and Community Development Institute is among them.
Since the challenge’s kickoff Jan. 21, the competing nonprofits have used social media and blogging to share their success stories and encourage donations. The challenge wraps at 11:59 p.m. on March 1.
A $150,000 grand prize is up for grabs, as well as prizes worth $50,000 and $30,000 for the nonprofits that snag second and third place, respectively.
“Every dollar ECDI raises during this challenge will go into our programs and, whether we win or lose, ECDI will match every dollar with other ECDI sources,” said Douglas Craven, development/outside relationship manager for ECDI.
At press time, ECDI had raised $38,277, putting it in fifth place. However, a party celebrating Inna Kinney’s 50th birthday could change all that.
Kinney is ECDI’s founder and CEO, and her birthday party −to be held Fri., Feb. 22 at ECDI’s campus at 1655 Old Leonard Ave.− will double as a JobRaising fundraiser.
“Frankly, I don’t need anything for myself,” she said. “My biggest gift is to have others see and feel what we do, meet our clients, and help donate to the JobRaising Challenge. I love what we do and what ECDI represents for not only Central Ohio, but also for the state of Ohio in creation and retention of businesses and jobs. We all want to leave behind a legacy. For me to know that ECDI was able to help individuals and families start and sustain their businesses is the biggest gift possible.”
Party attendees can expect to learn about ECDI’s programs and clients, and enjoy music, food and drinks. A $50 donation is recommended and can be made at the link HERE.
“When people donate, the benefits are substantial− not only to individuals, but to our community,” Kinney said. “It’s a true triple bottom line effect. By supporting ECDI, you are supporting the local economy by helping us provide business training, access to loans and grants for our clients, and services, such as the Women’s Business Center and the Food Fort to name a few.”
ECDI will match all donations two to one.
To learn more about the JobRaising Challenge, visit Crowdrise.com/JobRaising.
To RSVP for Inna Kinney’s 50th birthday party, email Douglas Craven at [email protected].
