San Antonio – To say The Big Give S.A. has big plans for this year’s event is a big understatement.
Event organizers outlined those plans to hundreds of officials and supporters of local nonprofits who jammed the Whitley Theological Center Jan.14 to kick off this year’s The Big Give S.A.
To begin with, this year’s event is expanding to New Braunfels, Kerrville, Boerne, Seguin, and Fredericksburg all in a 12-county area.
On May 5, from midnight to midnight, nonprofits will be raising money through The Big Give S.A.’s website at www.thebiggivesa.org.
This year, nonprofits can profit from the experiences others had last year. The San Antonio Nonprofit Council surveyed last year’s participating organizations to gain insights into best practices. The Big Give S.A. organizers are planning a series of workshops for participating nonprofits to help them set and meet their goals for the day of giving.
Hundreds filled the Whitley Theological Center to kick off The Big Give S.A. 2015.
“Whether a large or small organization, the keys to The Big Give S.A. fundraising success lie in setting a goal, starting early, attending workshops, investing time, getting your board involved and leveraging social media,” said Scott McAninch, San Antonio Nonprofit Council executive director.
“Last year was exciting as donations poured in from the whole area,” said Linda McDavitt, president of the Genevieve and Ward Orsinger Foundation. “It builds community as well as raises funds. That’s why we are very excited to work with The Big Give S.A. again.”
The 2015 Big Give S.A. is part of the Give Local America 24-hour crowdfunding event that allows every person in San Antonio and surrounding communities to give back to the community with donations as little as $10. The first Big Give S.A. more than doubled its $1 million goal. In fact, 467 nonprofits raised $2.09 million from 21,361 donations.
“The Big Give S.A. is a highly effective and efficient way for organizations to raise funds, while generating awareness for their programs and the clients or causes they serve,” said Jared Skok, executive director of Tesoro Foundation. “Tesoro was extremely impressed with last year’s results and is proud to return and help underwrite the 2015 initiative.”
Local businesses, corporations, foundations and donors already have pledged more than $120,000, much of that for prizes and incentives.
“This nationwide day of giving is about more than just raising money,” said Haley Lamm, assistant director of Give Local America, the umbrella group for the nationwide event. “It’s a chance for communities to see how much they rely on and benefit from nonprofit organizations.”