For 24 hours — from 6 p.m. on May 5 to 6 p.m. on May 6 — the Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County will host the Great Give 2015, the largest single day of giving in Anne Arundel County. The Great Give is an online fundraising event created to raise awareness and generate funds for up to 180 Anne Arundel County charitable causes.
Last year, the Great Give raised $675,467 in a day, allowing over 160 local nonprofits to continue to provide valuable services to our community. The 2015 goal is to raise $750,000 to benefit these organizations and, once again, make a difference in the greater Annapolis and Anne Arundel County communities.
Donations are tax deductible and can be made through the Great Give’s secure online platform at greatgiveaac.org to any participating charity.
Annapolis businesses also may offer special deals to encourage giving. For example, Chevys Fresh Mex on Solomon’s Island Road, is offering a free breakfast 7-10 a.m. May 6 for anyone who makes an online donation to the Smaritan House during the Burritos for Beds: Breakfast that Makes a Difference event.
All 501(c)(3) public charities operating in Anne Arundel County (with the exception of churches, mosques, synagogues or other religious institutions) are eligible to participate. This includes nonprofit organizations that serve the arts, culture/humanities, education, children/families, environment, animal welfare, parks/recreation, health/ human services and others.
“We participated in last year’s Great Give and were thrilled with the results,” says Barb Cooke from Partners in Care, a local charity. “The event magnified our voice in the community — allowing us to build community awareness, generate much needed financial support and extend our reach beyond the people we serve to new members in the community.”
See a list of participating nonprofits here.
Participating charities are eligible for awards that result in additional funds based on donations. For details about the different awards, visit the Great Give Awards page.
Organizations outside of Anne Arundel County that provide services here may participate as long as they use all funds raised through the Great Give to benefit Anne Arundel County.
Working together for one day helps draw attention to the influence local charities have on the community.
Submitted by Kristen Peterson
