SAVE THE DATE: May 16, 2018
Third Annual Hudson Valley Gives Will Support
HUNDREDS of Nonprofits in 7 Counties
The third annual Hudson Valley Gives – a day of charitable giving to support HUNDREDS of nonprofits in seven counties – will be held on May 16. This 24-hour online initiative is organized by the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan, in partnership with the Mid-Hudson Valley Association of Fundraising Professionals. Last year, more than $203,000 was raised to support 165 different charities.
Fueled by the power of social media, Hudson Valley Gives unites nonprofits across the region to raise funds and awareness to support their critical missions. Modeled after the internationally known Giving Tuesday – held annually the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving and Black Friday – this initiative has a much more regional focus and encourages donors to GIVE LOCAL FIRST, using the GiveGab online donation platform.
“Hudson Valley Gives is a wonderful opportunity to come together to further build a community of philanthropy and giving,” said Elizabeth Rowley, President and CEO of Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan, “We look forward to this opportunity to further our missions together to create a stronger, more vibrant Hudson Valley.”
Any 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization incorporated in or serving Orange, Ulster, Sullivan, Rockland, Dutchess, Putnam and Westchester Counties – as well as charitable funds at local community foundations – can register. Participation enables them to reach thousands of new potential donors and boost their visibility exponentially through the power of social media, print and broadcast marketing, and word of mouth. Thanks to generous sponsors, it also gives participating nonprofits a chance to bolster their bottom lines through a series of day-long contests that focus on raising dollars and awareness. Last year, more than $23,000 in prizes were awarded to nonprofits who won contests for most dollars raised during “power hours,” first and last donations received, and donations from the farthest away. There were also prizes for the most “selfies” posted near promotional Hudson Valley Gives billboards, the most use of the hashtag #HVGives, and the most creative fundraising campaign.
“Hudson Valley Gives offers something for everyone to support,” said Community Foundation Director of Development Michelle Hathaway. Last year’s campaigns included fundraisers for animal welfare; arts and culture; community initiatives like ambulance corps, libraries, and food pantries; education; environmental groups; hospitals and human services; historical societies; playgrounds and recreation; scholarships; and programs for veterans and youth, she said.
There is absolutely no cost to participate, and all donations are deposited directly into the participating charity’s bank account. To register your nonprofit – or to encourage your supporters to donate online May 16 – visit www.hvgives.org.
Online registration is now open. All the tools needed to succeed are available on the website, including pre-recorded training webinars, downloadable goodies, templates, and timelines. As well, a live seminar will be hosted from 9-10 a.m. on Tuesday, April 10, in the Chamber of Commerce building in Montgomery. Afterwards, participants can meet 1:1 with representatives from GiveGab or the Community Foundation to learn how to frame their fundraising campaigns or enhance their personalized Hudson Valley Gives webpage. To sign up, call 769-9393 or email admin@cfosny.org.