You can’t drive around Dallas these days without seeing signs of North Texas Giving Day. They’re everywhere. Your mailboxes (email too) are full of notices and solicitations for gifts to your favorite nonprofits. They’re calling donors to action, to support charitable organizations over the designated 18-hour giving day this Thursday, September 19. And you really should consider giving because, to quote my all-time favorite musical: “This is not a moment, it’s a movement!”
North Texas Giving Day started in 2009 as an initiative of the Communities Foundation of Texas as a way to spread awareness about the work of the nonprofit sector in our community. CFT raised $4 million that year to support 345 local charities. Since then, it has grown to be the largest community-wide giving event in the nation with more than $48 million raised last year. What’s more the number of participating nonprofits has grown nearly ten times, with 2,690 organizations in 2018.
North Texas Giving Day grows bigger every year with the support of thousands of donors, an affirmation of the effort’s primary purpose: to make giving accessible to everyone. I’m a huge fan of NTGD and encourage you to consider giving to your favorite local nonprofit this week.
Here are five reasons why you should give on North Texas Giving Day:
Because everyone is doing it!
I’m generally not one for peer pressure, but harmless philanthropic endorsements are an exception. Last year nearly 160,000 donations were made to organizations spanning 20 counties in North Texas. NTGD has expanded significantly in scale over its decade-long history to include thousands of nonprofits, and each of them runs their own marketing campaign in anticipation of the event. Ask around — I promise you know lots of North Texas Giving Day donors!
Because it’s easy.
The easiest way to support your favorite nonprofits on North Texas Giving Day is to click through their links via social media or email to contribute. (If you’re not following your favorite organizations on social media, you should be.) You can also visit the NTGD website to browse and search for nonprofits by name, zip code, or keyword (service area, etc.). As a bonus, you can schedule your gifts in advance this year (starting NOW).
Because your dollars go further on North Texas Giving Day.
One of the most profound benefits of giving via #NTxGivingDay is the matching funds and other incentives provided by the Communities Foundation of Texas and other sponsors. Many organizations’ gifts are matched dollar-for-dollar. Other organizations are eligible for matching funds and other prizes.
Participating nonprofits are responsible for relaying information to donors about their available incentives. Even those organizations not selected for matching, etc. are eligible for prizes and other fun in-kind gifts throughout the day (click HERE for a full list). So use North Texas Giving Day as an opportunity to make an even bigger impact on the organizations you care about.
Because you can give to new (to you) organizations.
Use North Texas Giving Day as a means to support new charitable organizations. Search the website for organizations near your home or use keywords about your favorite causes to explore the work of nonprofits you may be unfamiliar with. Then make a small gift to support their efforts.
You can rest assured that any nonprofit included in NTGD has been vetted. They represent those charities doing the most good in our community. In fact, most organizations’ GuideStar profile is linked through the North Texas Giving Day profile so you can investigate for yourself.
Because it’s good to do good.
Dallas is one of the most philanthropic communities in the country. It’s no wonder why the North Texas Giving Day movement has been successful here. I love the idea that gifts en masse, no matter the individual amount, make a tremendous charitable impact.
At a minimum, consider giving your typical annual nonprofit gifts on NTGD. You may find your dollar stretched further with matching, etc. But even if you don’t, there’s something about knowing your contribution is part of a larger community effort.
Tell us about your #NTxGiving Day experiences and #whyyougive.
May I never get too busy in my own affairs that I fail to respond to the needs of others with kindness and compassion.
Thomas Jefferson