The Community Foundation of South Puget Sound is leading its 8th annual Give Local generosity event from November 11 to 22, 2024. This important yearly initiative facilitates charitable giving to local nonprofits in a way that matches the donor’s interests and gives 100% of all funds raised to local nonprofits. Don’t miss your opportunity to join your friends and neighbors and support the nonprofits directly impacting your community.
Give Local With the Community Foundation of South Puget Sound
According to Mary Lam-Witcher, philanthropy and communications officer for the Community Foundation, Give Local, a two-week generosity event is purposed to catalyze growth. “It uplifts community-wide generosity and excitement, allowing local nonprofit organizations to reach a wider audience through social sharing, engaging new and loyal supporters, and leveraging peer-to-peer fundraising strategies,” says Lam-Witcher. “The concentrated time frame builds momentum and excitement, creating a more impactful and engaging experience for donors compared to isolated donation requests.”
Nonprofits require year-round support to sustain their communities. However, recent data shows that donations to nonprofits are declining nationwide. Moreover, election cycles add extra pressure to nonprofit fundraising, as many people experience campaign fatigue and feel overwhelmed by numerous requests for contributions. This situation makes it more challenging for nonprofits to engage with their local supporters. The Community Foundation aims to make giving even easier this season, as they have partnered with Mightycause, an online donation platform.
Event sponsors and the Community Foundation will cover all fees associated with this year’s generosity event so that every intended dollar will go to the donor’s chosen nonprofit. This new platform partnership allows supporters to make the donation choice based on interests, location, budget size, and are matched with local nonprofit organization choices that fit that profile online.
Support the Lewis County Autism Coalition Through Give Local
Give Local highlights to over 100 nonprofit organizations in Lewis, Mason, and Thurston counties. The Lewis County Autism Coalition is one of those deserving organizations. Their mission is to “promote lifelong inclusion and independence for neurodiverse, autistic, and developmentally disabled individuals and their families through empowerment, community collaboration, self-advocacy, and equitable access to education, recreation, and employment.”
The Coalition was started 14 years ago when care service gaps were identified for Lewis County. They have stepped up to serve, advocate, and facilitate an inclusive community for people with autism, neurodivergence, and developmental delays. The organization’s reach starts but is not limited to promoting resources and services, organizing inclusive events, hosting the annual Southwest Washington Autism Conference, and inventing SMART (School-Medical Autism Review Team), which is the model for building capacity for autism diagnosis and referrals for care and services. The Give Local event highlights LCAC as one of the options for donations.
Lewis County Austim Coalition Supports Families in Lewis County
Executive Director of The Lewis County Autism Coalition Michelle Witlow’s goal is “to provide a reliable source of strength and support for families, wherever they may be, regardless of their financial circumstances or the distance they live from larger support networks.”
“Our reach is woven through Lewis County and beyond, extending to neighboring rural communities that often lack resources for autism support,” says Witlow. “Since the coalition’s founding 14 years ago, we’ve grown from a small, determined group to a powerful source of connection, helping hundreds of families feel seen, valued, and supported. This past year alone, we reached more than a thousand individuals through our events, outreach, and the programs we’ve lovingly developed to uplift those we serve.”
Give Local has enabled a larger reach opportunity that allows engagement with local donors to raise funds, but also awareness about autism and neurodiversity. Taking away financial barriers increases accessibility to LCAC programs in Lewis County.
One local family, Nolan and Micki Hawkins, have enjoyed many community events and LCAC offerings with their two children, Teddy and Archer. The inclusive holidays allow them to feel the inclusivity of the community and allow for attendance and enjoyment of events that otherwise could be challenging. “LCAC has provided vital information about resources and events that not only support our family but also provide us with inclusion and representation,” says Hawkins. “It is a safe place to find information, attend events, and find a community of support.”
Visions of a Spectrum and Development Community Center are being formulated, one that could offer local partnered care on-site, a sensory garden and art studio, adolescent-supported employment services within the community, and even respite services for families in need. A trusted resource that could provide these services in the county is being brought closer by generous donations, such as the Give Local event.
Despite the challenges seen for nonprofits this time of year, Give Local offers a place for everyone to bring something, no matter the size, and to see its direct impact on our local community nonprofits. Since its start in 2017, communities have raised $3.9 million through Give Local. In 2023 alone, the Give Local generosity event raised $938,938. Be encouraged to join this event and donate — even $1 can impact your community. Follow this link to partner with other donors from November 11 through November 22 this giving season.
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