Midlands Gives raises over $3 million, breaking all-time records to help local nonprofits overcome impact of COVID-19

Hosted by Central Carolina Community Foundation, online giving event sees highest total, most gifts, and largest number of nonprofits since inception

Midlands Gives Day, the annual 18-hour, online giving challenge hosted by Central Carolina Community Foundation, had a record-breaking year raising an estimated total of $3,321,683 via 22,477 individual gifts — the largest amount and most donations the online giving event has ever seen. To help local nonprofits overcome the impact of COVID-19, the seventh annual Midlands Gives Day took place on Tuesday, May 5, 2020. This year, 416 nonprofits — the highest number of participants to date — raised funds that will help them continue providing critical services to the community. To view the 2020 leaderboard of gifts and prizes, visit www.midlandsgives.org/leaderboards.

“We are extremely grateful for the thousands of everyday philanthropists who came together virtually to support our community during the pandemic,” says JoAnn Turnquist, president and CEO of Central Carolina Community Foundation. “We couldn’t have asked for a better outcome. The pride displayed across our region on Midlands Gives Day was unmatched. Thank you to our donors, our partners, and our participants for a day full of joy, generosity, and record-breaking milestones.”

This year, 416 nonprofits across the 11 Midlands counties served by the Community Foundation participated in Midlands Gives. Ranging from health and human services to youth development, education and more, almost all nonprofits received at least one donation, ensuring their vital work can continue to support the community.

Seven Years of Connecting the Midlands, More Than $12.6 Million Raised

Since the inception of Midlands Gives in 2014, Central Carolina Community Foundation has raised more than $12.6 million for hundreds of local nonprofits. Each year, thousands of everyday philanthropists come together to support the positive impact nonprofits have on the region’s well-being. Donations for previous years include the following:

• 2019: $2,031,052 via 14,323 individual gifts.
• 2018: $1,756,332 via 14,665 individual gifts.
• 2017: $1,672,118 via 13,765 individual gifts.
• 2016: $1.6 million via 12,536 individual gifts.
• 2015: $1,543,032.65, via 11,372 individual gifts.
• 2014 [inaugural year]: $704,932.23 via 5,186 individual gifts.

The generosity of individual donors is enhanced by corporate supporters.

“Our generous corporate philanthropy champions provided over $150,000 in prize incentives to inspire individuals across the community to give,” says Turnquist. “Corporations and local businesses understand the importance of philanthropy. Their support during Midlands Gives, and throughout the year, helps the region thrive.”

Midlands Gives is one of hundreds of giving days that take place in cities across America throughout the year. This year, the online giving day took place the same day as #GivingTuesdayNow, a global day of giving and unity in response to the unprecedented need caused by COVID-19.

The Midlands Gives platform was again hosted through CiviCore. One hundred percent of each contribution, less the 2.1% credit card fee and 2.8% CiviCore technology fee, went directly to the donor’s selected nonprofit; the Community Foundation received no fees from Midlands Gives. Additionally, the Foundation covered the customary 2.8% CiviCore technology fee for all Midlands Gives donations through April 2020 to provide additional funds to help support nonprofit organizations during the pandemic.

Over $150,000 in Prize Incentives on Midlands Gives Day

Corporate Philanthropy Champions — including Dominion Energy, Aflac, Nephron Pharmaceuticals Corporation, BB&T now Truist, BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, and more — provided financial incentives, matching gifts and prizes for nonprofits on May 5, amplifying individuals’ contributions of $10 or more. The full list of prizes and the nonprofits awarded each prize can be found at www.midlandsgives.org/prizes.

Matching Dollars Lead the Way in Inspiring Donors to Give

Several generous donors throughout the Midlands inspired generosity by providing additional dollar for dollar matches for nonprofits. Over $1 million in matching dollars was raised to inspire giving on May 5. This includes $484,000 in matching funds for 175 nonprofits provided by The Cheerful Giver, an anonymous donor who gives through Central Carolina Community Foundation.

Early Giving Increases the Impact of Midlands Gives

The Community Foundation again implemented Early Giving from Tuesday, April 21, to Monday, May 4, allowing early donations to count toward Midlands Gives day leaderboard totals. More than $300,000 was raised in advance of giving day.

Year-Round Midlands Gives Platform Re-Opens May 13, 2020

MidlandsGives.org transformed into a year-round platform in 2019 to amplify and extend the reach of the one-day, online giving challenge, allowing nonprofits to connect with donors throughout the entire year.

The platform includes features such as recurring gifts and Champion Pages. Recurring gifts allow donors to automatically give to a selected nonprofit monthly, while Champion Pages will be open year-round, allowing donors and nonprofits to fundraise for specific events or projects.  Additionally, Giving eCards can be purchased throughout the year and are redeemable for a donation to the recipient’s nonprofit of choice. For more information, visit www.midlandsgives.org.

About Midlands Gives

Midlands Gives is an annual 18-hour online giving challenge and year-round giving platform for local nonprofits, powered by Central Carolina Community Foundation. This year’s event will take place virtually on May 5, 2020. For more information about Midlands Gives, visit www.midlandsgives.org or call 803-254-5601.

 

About Central Carolina Community Foundation

Central Carolina Community Foundation — the Midlands’ center on philanthropy — is a nonprofit organization serving 11 counties in the Midlands by distributing grants and scholarships and linking the resources of donors, nonprofits and area leaders to communities in need. Major initiatives include the Midlands Gives online giving challenge and year-round giving platform, On the Table, Connected Communities grants, the One SC Fund, the Best of Philanthropy Awards, annual scholarships and more. For more information about the Foundation, visit www.yourfoundation.org or call 803-254-5601.

 

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