Record-Breaking Success for Give Local Campaign
The Community Foundation of South Puget Sound’s annual Give Local campaign has achieved an impressive milestone this year, raising over $1 million for local nonprofits for the first time in its eight-year history. This remarkable achievement reflects the generous spirit of the South Puget Sound community.
Mary Lam-Witcher, Communications Officer with the Community Foundation, expressed enthusiasm about the results, stating, ‘This was our best year yet, with our communities raising an incredible $1,184,435 for 142 participating nonprofits.’ This year’s campaign saw an increase in community engagement, with a total of 2,168 unique donors contributing to the cause.
The campaign emphasized inclusivity, encouraging participation from everyone in the community. Lam-Witcher noted that ‘no gift was too small,’ revealing that the majority of donations—approximately 81%—were under $200, demonstrating robust grassroots support. Furthermore, larger donations contributed significantly, with 532 gifts ranging from $201 to $500 and 199 contributions falling between $501 and $2,500.
The fundraising effort benefited 142 nonprofits across multiple counties, including Lewis, Mason, and Thurston. Notably, 16 of these organizations are BIPOC-led, and 32 were participating for the first time. The campaign’s ability to attract newcomers was evident; a survey revealed that 37% of respondents were first-time participants, with 40% actively spreading campaign awareness in their networks. Looking ahead, 97% of donors surveyed indicated they plan to participate in future Give Local events.
Breakdown of Funds by Mission Category:
- Housing and Human Services: 26.7%
- Arts and Culture: 22.9%
- Health and Wellness: 10.4%
- Community and Civic Engagement: 9.6%
- Environment and Animals: 14.1%
- Education and Youth: 15.9%
- Economic Opportunity: 0.4%
The Community Foundation expressed gratitude to key sponsors for their support, including the Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation, Dawkins Charitable Trust, OlyFed, TwinStar Credit Union, and WSECU. Lam-Witcher also recognized the partnership with The JOLT News, thanking them for their media sponsorship and outreach assistance.
Give Local is an integral part of the Community Foundation’s broader mission to enhance and inspire local philanthropy. Their ongoing efforts aim to strengthen generosity, increase awareness, and support regional nonprofits committed to community well-being throughout the year.
This year’s success sets a promising precedent for the future of Give Local, which strives to uplift communities in Lewis, Mason, and Thurston Counties.
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