The Community Foundation of Sarasota County’s Giving Challenge 2024: A Deep Dive into Impact and Innovation

The Magic Behind a 24-Hour Philanthropic Marathon

By Hallie Peilet Young | Photos Courtesy of Community Foundation | March 2024

As the calendar approaches April 9-10, the Community Foundation of Sarasota County is gearing up for its biennial Giving Challenge—a 24-hour online fundraising marathon with a unique twist. Each donation made during this period is generously matched up to $100 by the Patterson Foundation, elevating the impact of every contribution from givers of all ages and means.

Community Foundation Manager of Nonprofit Services, Aude Monde, succinctly defines the Giving Challenge as a “24-hour community-wide giving day.” Over 700 local nonprofits join forces to raise funds for their unique missions while collectively energizing our area around charitable giving and the importance of the nonprofit community in our daily lives. In 2022, the community raised an impressive $16.1 million from 45,000 donors across Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte, and Desoto counties.Since 2012, througheight challenges, the Giving Challenge has raised more than $75 million in unrestricted funding to support nonprofit organizations.

Monde peels back the curtain, revealing that the success of the Giving Challenge is rooted in meticulous planning. An 18-month preparation process involves thoughtful training and planning guidance to assist nonprofits make the most of this opportunity.

The Patterson Foundation’s generous offer of doubling the impact of every donation up to $100 is the fuel that really ignites the Giving Challenge, Monde said.

“This turns a $50 donation into $100 over and over again, amplifying the broader community’s collective impact.”

Beyond the online realm, nonprofit organizations have taken the virtual event into real life. There are several pop-up giving stations planned for this year that are festive, in-person events where donors can meet nonprofit leaders, take part in activities, and make on-the-spot contributions. This part of the Giving Challenge really took off in 2022 in response to an urge by many to reconnect in person, not just virtually. The events offer a tangible connection between donors and the impactful work of nonprofits.

“Pop-up giving stations allow the community to engage with nonprofits on a personal level, forging meaningful connections beyond the digital realm,” Monde explains.

The foundation’s commitment extends beyond the 24-hour event. At its core, the Giving Challenge is a capacity-building program, ensuring that nonprofits can apply the knowledge gained during the Giving Challenge to operations year ‘round. Through peer learning and collaborative strategies, nonprofits can leverage shared experiences to bolster their resilience and effectiveness.

Monde emphasizes authenticity as key to a successful Giving Challenge campaign. .

“Be true to who you are as a nonprofit. Effective communication of your mission is key,” advises Monde, stressing that all nonprofits, regardless of size or budget, are are on the same level when they stay true to their identities and effectively communicate their message throughout their campaigns.

As anticipation builds in the weeks leading up to the Giving Challenge, donors and nonprofits alike can find essential information, including dates, times, and locations of pop-up giving stations, on the official Giving Challenge website – givingchallenge.org.

The Giving Challenge isn’t just a moment; it’s a movement, an opportunity for individuals and organizations to join hands in shaping a better, more resilient future for our region.

Mark your calendars, spread the word, and stand ready to make a lasting impact on April 9-10, as Sarasota comes together for the transformative Giving Challenge 2024.