Giving Challenge nets nearly $580,000 before it starts

Four organizations — The Frank G. Berlin Foundation, a component fund at the Community Foundation of Sarasota County; trustees of the H. Gladstone McKeon Trust; the advisor to the Sarah Greer Mayer Fund; and Joe and Mary Kay Henson — have each committed $100 to each of the 724 nonprofit organizations taking part in the 2024 Giving Challenge, a 24-hour online giving event starting noon April 9.

This is the second year the Hensons will give $100 each to all participating nonprofits. They were inspired in 2022 to donate to each of the organizations knowing their gifts would be matched. 

The Patterson Foundation matches all unique donations from $25 to $100, which means the 2024 event has already raised nearly $580,000 before it begins.

“The Giving Challenge shines a bright light on our vital nonprofit sector, which is key to our quality of life,” said Community Foundation President and CEO Roxie Jerde in a news release. “In addition to supporting the missions of each organization, the Giving Challenge is a way to affirm the value and importance of each person who works for or volunteers with our local nonprofits.”

The Community Foundation supports organizations with tips and training on successful campaigning and incentivizes best practices in fundraising throughout the months leading up to the big 24-hour event. 

Since 2012, the Giving Challenge has raised $75 million in unrestricted funding to benefit more than 700 nonprofits serving Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee and Sarasota counties.

To donate, visit GivingChallenge.org.

This story has been updated to reflect the number of organizations donating $100 to each of the participating nonprofits.