November 9th Will Change DC For the Better: Give to the Max Day
The date doesn’t yet resonate with many, but that will change. Tomorrow November 9th will be remembered as the day that millions were raised for DC area non-profits through Give to the Max Day.
Patterned after a groundbreaking event in Minnesota that raised more than $14 million in its debut event, the DC organizers goal is "to get 35,000 people to support their favorite regional charity, raising more than $3 million in donations and grants in just 24 hours.”
The Greater Washington event may well surpass the Minnesota tally. Give to the Max Day is positioned smack in the middle of Digital Capital Week, and it boasts a robust list of partners that read like a Who’s Who of Washington Philanthropy (United Way of the National Capital Area, The Community Foundation for the National Capital Region, The Case Foundation. Razoo, The Board of Trade, Leadership Greater Washington, and 12 more movers and shakers), 15 major media partners including The Washington Post, NBC4, all the top radio stations, and Care2, and a list of 16 top blogger activators (not counting the inimitable Geoff Livingston) – heck, why wouldn’t we exceed Minnesota’s tally?
I’ll admit, when I learned that this online fundraiser aimed to make $3 million in 24 hours, I was skeptical. But this evening, after carefully looking over the amazing giving site run by Razoo.com, and checking out the impressive roster of community partners – I have a sneaking suspicion they’re lowballing the goals.
And the really exciting thing about Give to the Max Day? After Give to the Max Greater Washington and Give to the Max MN, it seems obvious that this campaign will must go national. Talk about impact! Will we someday see national non-profits ditch their snail mail capital campaign letters and star studded fundraising soirees in favor of a massive, one day online fundraising campaign which leverages the power of social networks, challenge grants, and competition? To some, it must seem like a far fetched notion. To them I say, see you at Hechts.
-- Lynn
Go here to donate. Be sure to search for the 47 non-profits with Challenge Grants! (Potomac Riverkeepers is a fave, it's a charity my son supports from his allowance). You can search by zipcode, keyterm, or type of charity. The Razoo user interface is a pleasure to use - so much nicer than those other giving websites! Do your giving now - why wait till December?)