Bank of America to be lead sponsor of Fairfield County Giving Day

Goal: Raise $1,000,000 in 24 hours for local nonprofit organizations

NORWALK, December 11, 2014 — Fairfield County’s Community Foundation announced Bank of America will again serve as the lead sponsor of the second annual Fairfield County Giving Day to be held March 5, 2015.

Giving Day is a 24-hour period of online donations to Fairfield County nonprofit organizations that register to participate. Individuals, families, companies, clubs and groups are encouraged to “give where you live.” The Community Foundation’s 2015 goal is to raise $1 million.

On last year’s Giving Day, 9,211 donors went to www.FCGives.org and gave more than $620,000 to 267 Fairfield County nonprofits – all in just 24 hours. An additional $127,500 in cash prizes funded by the Community Foundation, Bank of America and other corporate and community sponsors were awarded to more than 50 nonprofits. All combined, Fairfield County Giving Day raised $750,000.

“The inaugural Fairfield County Giving Day not only demonstrated the generosity of thousands of local residents, it also cultivated a new generation of donors,” said Bill Tommins, Southern Connecticut market president, Bank of America. “In 2015, we hope to exceed the high bar that has been set, and further support our local nonprofits and the vital services they provide to our community.”

Juanita James, president and CEO of the Community Foundation, said: “Giving Day helps local nonprofits engage their supporters, increase their visibility, attract new donors and raise money. We’re thrilled Bank of America has renewed its support for this wonderful and exciting day to ‘give where you live.’”

Fairfield County’s Community Foundation promotes philanthropy as a means to create change in Fairfield County, focusing on innovative and collaborative solutions to critical issues impacting the community. Individuals, families, corporations and organizations can establish charitable funds or contribute to existing funds. The Community Foundation is in compliance with the Council on Foundations’ national standards, and has awarded $180 million in grants to nonprofits in Fairfield County and beyond. For more information, visit www.FCCFoundation.org.