Four organizations partner in 36-hour fundraiser

The Community Foundation of Sarasota, the Gulf Coast Community Foundation, the Manatee Community Foundation and The Patterson Foundation have all partnered with the goal of raising $1 million to benefit more than 100 local nonprofits in the animal welfare, arts, education, environment, health and human-services sectors.

From 6 a.m. Tuesday, March 27, to 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 28, these four organizations will partner as part of The Giving Partner’s 36-Hour Giving Challenge, a new online initiative designed to allow philanthropists a unique way to make well-informed decisions when donating to local nonprofits.

“The Giving Partner provides better, more complete information about the nonprofits in our region and a more complete story about what their work is,” said Susie Bowie, director of The Giving Partner. “There are so many nonprofits in Southwest Florida, and this is a way for everyone to get on board with the same platform, regardless of their operating budget.”

Throughout the 36 Hour Giving Challenge, The Patterson Foundation is offering a one-to-one match up to $334,000 for donations of up to $1,000, and the community foundations are working together to offer an additional $167,000 in prizes and grants.

As a part of the additional prizes offered, one donor will be chosen at random each hour to have $250 added to his or her donation, and during the final five hours of the event, $18,000 in special matches will be announced.

The unique nature of the online event presents opportunities for both the community foundations and the nonprofits.

“Any time we can leverage technology to help inform philanthropy, we’re interested,” said Greg Luberecki, director of marketing and communications for the Gulf Coast Community Foundation. “And exposure for The Giving Partner is only going to boost our local philanthropy.”

Rusty Chinnis, president of Sarasota Bay Watch, represents just one of the local nonprofits that will benefit from the fundraiser. He looks forward to a new opportunity to raise money for environmental causes.

“It’s a good way for people who want to give to local causes to know that their money is being well spent,” said Chinnis. “I think that’s really important, and we appreciate the opportunity.”

Noreen Delaney, development director of the Sarasota Ballet, agrees.

“It’s a great opportunity to maximize people’s contributions to the ballet and generate excitement among our donors,” said Delaney.

With more than 100 local nonprofits registered on The Giving Partner’s website, potential philanthropists will have no shortage of good causes to support.

“I hope people will have a new understanding of how rich our nonprofit community is,” said Bowie. “There are a lot of different mission focuses out there, so no matter what your passion is, you’ll be able to find something to donate to.”

WHERE TO DONATE
To view a complete list of the more than 100 nonprofits to which you can donate that have registered for The Giving Partner’s 36-Hour Giving Challenge, visit www.givingpartnerchallenge.org.