As the creator of one of the first online giving days in 2008, The Columbus Foundation has seen impressive growth in online giving as well as the rise of community (and even global!) giving days in the past 10 years.
From 240 nonprofits receiving around $816,000 in the Foundation’s initial giving day in 2008, to 906 organizations receiving over $18 million in the 2017 Big Give, the popularity of online giving continues to surge. To date, more than $64 million has been raised for central Ohio nonprofits through the Foundation’s giving days and special initiatives!
Here are a few highlights from ten years of giving, both at home and away:
2008 The Columbus Foundation launches its own giving day with two “Match Day” events that draw national media attention.
2011 The Columbus Foundation and its donors offer a $1 million bonus pool and waive credit card fees during The Big Give, directing 100%+ of donations to participating nonprofits and announcing event results on the TEDx Columbus stage.
2012 The #GivingTuesday movement begins on the heels of Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday. Inspired by The Columbus Foundation’s own Big Give, the 92nd Street Y in New York City launched #GivingTuesday as a celebration of giving that embraces community and generosity during the holiday season.
2013 The Big Give brings in more than $10 million, including $1 million for a single organization (The Ohio State University Foundation–Go Bucks!).
2015 The Big Give sees donations from all 50 states and five countries, and, for the first time, received over 1,000 donations for a single organization (Mid-Ohio Foodbank).
2017 #GivingTuesday raises more than $300 million in online donations from 2.5 million gifts. People in more than 150 countries participate.
2018 The Columbus Foundation launches its Give Two on #GivingTuesday promotion as a way to encourage gratitude and generosity to central Ohio nonprofits.
With Give Two on #GivingTuesday, anyone who donates to two or more eligible nonprofits on November 27 will receive a $20 Charitable Gift Card, redeemable at any of the 1,000+ organizations listed in The Giving Store. Help us build on the history of generosity in our community by getting involved!
