Fairfield County Giving Day Set for March 5, 2015

Registration for Nonprofits is Open; Nonprofit Training To Be Held Jan. 14, 2015

NORWALK, December 11, 2014 — Fairfield County nonprofit organizations can now register to participate in Giving Day on March 5, a 24-hour period of online donations through www.FCGives.org.

Initiated last year by Fairfield County’s Community Foundation, Giving Day encourages individuals, families, companies, clubs and groups to “give where you live” and support Fairfield County nonprofits.

On last year’s Giving Day, 9,211 online donors 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, lead sponsor Bank of America and other corporate and community sponsors were awarded to more than 50 nonprofits.

All combined, the 2014 Fairfield County Giving Day raised $750,000. The goal for the 2015 Giving Day is to raise $1 million.

Nonprofits can register to participate at www.FCGives.org. Registration closes February 13.

Additionally, on January 14, the Community Foundation is offering nonprofits a free, two-hour information session covering how Giving Day works, cash prize categories, best practices in promotion, and the Community Foundation’s promotional activities. Go to www.FCGives.org to register. The session will be held at Stepping Stones Children’s Museum in Norwalk.

“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.” Bank of America is generously serving as lead sponsor again in 2015.

Juanita James, president and CEO of the Community Foundation, said: “Giving Day invites those who love Fairfield County to come together in just one day and make an incredibly powerful impact on our community. It also helps our nonprofits engage their supporters, increase their visibility, attract new donors and raise much-needed funds. We look forward to much success in our second year of this very special event.”

Additional information about Giving Day may be found at www.FCGives.org. Essentially, anyone with a credit/debit card and Internet access may contribute; the minimum donation is $10. Matching funds and sponsor-contributed cash prizes amplify charitable donations, ignite spirited competition, and build momentum throughout the 24 hours.

Individuals, businesses and organizations interested in sponsoring Giving Day can learn more at www.FCGives.org or call the Community Foundation at 203-750-3200.

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.