Get ready to donate to your favorite nonprofit Sept. 15 during the 2011 North Texas Giving Day.
The funds are raised via DonorBridge, an online resource linking contributors to over 700 North Texas nonprofits. Any donation $25 or more made on DonorBridge Sept. 15 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. will be eligible for a portion of $700,000 in matching funds. While not a dollar for dollar match, organizations can expect an additional 15 to 25 percent to contributions they receive during the designated period.
Nonprofits also compete for prize money to be awarded for the greatest number of unique contributions, the 2011th contribution and other categories.
North Texas Giving Day benefits local nonprofits other ways, too. “A nonprofit will get that extra push to raise awareness of its programs – getting its vision in front of potential donors,” said Anne Royer, Director of Arts and Music Guild, a newly established nonprofit based in McKinney, Tex.
DonorBridge at donorbridgetx.org uniquely allows contributors to both research nonprofits and donate to them by accessing a single website. Communities Foundation of Texas assisted by the Center for Nonprofit Management reviews mission statements, financial reports and other information for each North Texas organization listed on DonorBridge. Potential donors can review the nonprofit information year round, not just on North Texas Giving Day.
“Our financial statements and program goals have to be in perfect order to participate in DonorBridge. A nonprofit that is accepted and approved for the program has therefore attained a level of validity in the eyes of people who look for ways to contribute to good work in their communities,” said Royer.
The DonorBridge database helps people pinpoint organizations by location, category and beneficiary. For example, Royer’s Art and Music Guild is one of 33 arts, culture and humanities nonprofits in McKinney, Tex. With the ability to target interest and location, donors can give to organizations directly impacting their community.
DonorBridge accepts donations throughout the year. Communities Foundation of Texas will process credit card donations, issue a tax receipt to the donor and forward donated funds directly to the nonprofit. However, matching funds are available only during North Texas Giving Day.
2011 marks the third year for this event. The 2010 North Texas Giving Day raised over $5 million for 760 North Texas organizations. Organizers hope to surpass 2010 totals to raise even more money for local nonprofits. To qualify for matching funds, donations must be made on the DonorBridge website at donorbridgetx.org on Sept. 15 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.