Foundation holding giving challenge

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WATERBURY — More than 140 local charities and organizations will be part of the Connecticut Community Foundation’s online “Give Local” campaign May 6 and 7.

The 24-hour event will encourage donors to make gifts of $10 or more to 149 participating nonprofit organizations located in the foundation’s 21-town service area. Contributions will be augmented by local matching funds. The nonprofits, all from Greater Waterbury and the Litchfield Hills, also will be eligible for local prizes.

“We know that the nonprofits in our community provide vital services for their clients but these services are often limited based on financial realities. Give Local is designed to infuse these charities with new donors who can provide unrestricted funding,” said Paula Van Ness, president and CEO of Connecticut Community Foundation, in a press release.

The marathon campaign builds on the national Give Local America movement, a national day of giving honoring the 100th anniversary of community foundations.

On May 6 at noon, givelocalccf.org will go “live” and donors can log on to make a contribution to the organization or organizations of their choice. The step-by-step procedure is explained on the webpage.

Donors can browse profiles of the participating organizations that they created of themselves on the website.

Among the groups participating are the Naugatuck Historical Society, the Howard Whittemore Library, Special Olympics Connecticut local programs including Naugatuck, Friends of Beacon Falls Library, Friends of Naugatuck Youth and Family Services, Inc, Guardian ad Litem Services, Inc./Melissa’s Project, Hidden Acres Therapeutic Riding Center, Jane Doe No More, Inc., Naugatuck Community Choir, Naugatuck Discovery, Naugatuck YMCA and Phoenix Stage Company.

In addition to gifts from individuals, the foundation has secured more than $140,000 for prizes and matching gifts.

Last year, the Connecticut Community Foundation’s Give Local campaign raised $520,000 for the 125 participating organizations during a 36-hour period.

The Naugatuck YMCA emerged as one of the biggest winners from last year’s challenge. The Naugatuck YMCA received 54 “gifts” that totaled $23,245, not counting matching funds, and finished with the fourth highest total raised. 

For more information on the giving challenge, visit www.conncf.org.