MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nonprofits and schools across the state raised a record-breaking $18,316,626 during yesterday’s sixth annual Give to the Max Day, a 24-hour online give-a-thon. More than 62,607 people donated to 5,544 organizations through GiveMN.org. This represents a 20 percent increase in the number of donors and a 25 percent increase in the number of organizations receiving gifts compared to last year’s Give to the Max Day, which raised a total of $17.1 million dollars.
Dana Nelson, executive director of GiveMN said, “We are humbled by the incredible generosity of Minnesotans every year. This year’s new record is a tribute to the dedication of nonprofits, schools and donors across the state, and we are so proud to be part of Minnesota’s giving holiday.”
Nonprofits and schools competed for Leaderboard grants, which included top prizes of $10,000, $7,500 and $5,000 which were given to the organizations that raised the most during the 24-hour period. The following organizations took home these top prizes in the following categories:
- Main Leaderboard: Cretin-Derham Hall
- Medium Leaderboard: Shir Tikvah Congregation
- Small Leaderboard: Avalon Educational Institute
- Colleges & Universities: Augsburg College
Golden Ticket prize incentives worth $2,000 were randomly awarded to nonprofits and schools throughout the day. At the end of the day, two Super-Sized Golden Tickets worth $20,000 each were awarded–one to Savage Umbrella (an incubator program of Springboard for the Arts), and one to Centennial Middle School based in Lino Lakes, Minnesota.
“It’s huge for us. It’s game changing,” said Carl Swanson, on behalf of Savage Umbrella. “Give to the Max Day is so important for smaller organizations that don’t have the same infrastructure as larger institutions – it’s a day that builds excitement and everyone can get involved.”
Give to the Max Day 2014 highlights included a new technology partner, Kimbia, more than $6.7 million available in matching gifts and a “zip line challenge” at the Mall of America, where local principals rode the 400-foot zip line dressed as superheroes to raise funds and awareness to support Minnesota schools.
Special thanks to the Give to the Max Day sponsors, which include the Bush Foundation, John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, Minnesota Community Foundation and The Mosaic Company.
About GiveMN
By using technology in innovative ways, GiveMN
links donors with organizations that are making Minnesota a better
place. Its online giving website, GiveMN.org, enables giving anytime and
anyplace, allowing people to donate with ease and enthusiasm. GiveMN
brings excitement, energy and fresh ideas to Minnesota generosity.
GiveMN is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and an affiliate of Minnesota Philanthropy Partners. Launched in 2009 by Minnesota Community Foundation, GiveMN is supported by many generous foundation and corporate partners from every corner of the state. In addition, the people of Minnesota and users of the GiveMN.org website contribute individual gifts to support GiveMN.
Today, GiveMN serves nearly 8,400 nonprofit organizations and schools across every Minnesota county and more than 227,000 donors who have used GiveMN to make a difference for causes in their communities. Organizations rely on GiveMN to help shatter the old-school fundraising model and connect more givers with more causes than ever before.