Golden Belt Community Foundation is responding to meet area needs in the time of COVID-19 by participating in #GivingTuesdayNow on May 5.
GBCF aims to meet the needs of nonprofit organizations in Barton, Pawnee, Rush, and Stafford counties through acts of generosity and fundraising for critical services and programs during this pandemic.
Similar to the November #GivingTuesday event, #GivingTuesdayNow is a global day of giving and unity. The day is designed to drive an influx of generosity, citizen engagement, business and philanthropy activation, and support for communities and nonprofits around the world.
At a time when we are all experiencing the pandemic, generosity is what brings people of all races, faiths, and political views together across the globe, sponsors said. Generosity gives everyone power to make a positive change in the lives of others and is a fundamental value anyone can act on. It’s a day for everyone around the world to stand together and give back in all ways, no matter who or where we are.
Golden Belt Community Foundation is standing strong with local communities and is mobilizing its Giving Tuesday network for this event, said Christy Tustin, executive director.
“Last Giving Tuesday on Dec. 1, 2019, our communities came together to raise over $200,000 for local organizations. Because we have done it before we know we can do it again. We are asking you to give however you can. No gift or act is too small,” said Tustin.
Not just money
People can show their generosity in a variety of ways on this day, sponsors said. Whether it’s helping a neighbor, advocating for an issue, sharing a skill, or giving to causes, every act of generosity counts. The global movement will emphasize opportunities to give back to communities and causes in safe ways that allow for social connection even while practicing physical distancing.
The local #GivingTuesdayNow campaign will support selected nonprofit organizations addressing the needs of individuals and families with food and housing support, utility assistance, health and mental health care, and other social service needs. Just like Giving Tuesday in the past, donors will select which organizations to receive their gift.
The campaign will run from Tuesday, May 5, to Tuesday, May 12. Donations may be mailed to: Golden Belt Community Foundation, P.O. Box 1911, Great Bend, KS 67530 or made online at goldenbeltcf.org/donate.
All donations made for Giving Tuesday Now will be matched proportionally with a $10,000 match pool, which was generously provided by the Glenn and Elaine Mull Family Fund.
“We know that in the months ahead, our nonprofits will be called upon to assist our local individuals and families who will be recovering from the effects of COVID-19. All gifts received will be granted to the selected nonprofit organization,” Tustin said.
Those interested in joining Golden Belt Community Foundation’s #GivingTuesdayNow efforts and to view the giving form should visit www.goldenbeltcf.org.
For more details about the GivingTuesday movement, visit the GivingTuesday website now.givingtuesday.org, Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/GivingTuesday) or follow @GivingTuesday and #GivingTuesdayNow on Twitter. For youth interested in joining the movement, visit GivingTuesdayKids.org for inspiration and project ideas.
