When the St. Louis Community Foundation introduced Give STL Day and the concept of a 24-hour online day of giving to benefit local nonprofits in 2014, no one knew what to expect: Would the region enthusiastically embrace the concept? Would local nonprofits want to participate? Would the day drive awareness and enthusiasm for the nonprofits that serve our region?
Not surprisingly, St. Louis answered all of those questions with a resounding yes. In fact, since its start, Give STL Day has inspired more than 220,000 individual donations, totaling more than $26 million for more than 1,000 participating local nonprofits.
This year, on May 10 at midnight, the St. Louis Community Foundation will embark on its 10th Give STL Day, thanks to the generous support of the Berges Family Foundation. In honor of this milestone, the foundation added 10 hours of giving to the event, which will conclude at 10 a.m. on May 11.
Hundreds of nonprofits that have participated in every Give STL Day since the beginning will again be part of the festivities, including Easterseals Midwest, Union Avenue Opera Theatre, Freedom Arts and Education Center, and the Employment Connection. Ten-year participants also have a badge on their profiles on GiveSTLDay.org and are eligible to win special prizes.
Participating Is Easy
Making a Give STL Day donation is as easy as shopping online. All you need to do is visit GiveSTLDay.org, peruse the list of participating organizations, and give at least $10 to one or more of the causes that speak to you. From open space conservation and animal rescues to food pantries and senior services, countless organizations are participating with missions that appeal to a variety of interests.
Also, be sure to check the leaderboard throughout the day to see how your favorite organizations are faring. Consider making a gift to help a nonprofit reach their match, or donate to an organization that hasn’t received any gifts yet. The choice is yours!
Maximize Your Impact
Consider amplifying the power of your contributions by employing the following strategies.
1.) Start a Fundraiser
- Create your own fundraiser. On or before May 9, visit GiveSTLDay.org, look up an organization that you want to support, click the “Create Fundraiser” button, and follow the instructions.
- Personalize your fundraiser page: Title it, create a custom URL, set a fundraising goal, and add images. Also, don’t forget to include an explanation about why you are supporting that particular organization. Help others understand why the nonprofit and its mission appeal to you.
- “Save” your fundraiser. When you are finished creating your page, don’t forget to press “Save Fundraiser.” You don’t want to lose all of that hard work.
- Get the word out: Once you’ve set up your page, start letting friends, family, and colleagues know. Send them the link to your fundraising page via text, email, and social media, and encourage them to donate. You could even inspire them to start fundraisers of their own.
- Celebrate donations: Thank the people who donate to your fundraiser, and share your progress on social media. Don’t forget to tag the organization that you’re raising funds for in all of your posts. And be sure to celebrate when you meet your goal!
2.) Donate During a Power Hour
As in years past, sponsored Power Hours will occur throughout the day. During Power Hours, a $20,000 prize pool boosts donations made during that hour, helping your gift go further. In honor of Give STL Day’s 10th anniversary, an additional Power Hour will take place during the final hour of giving, from 9 a.m.–10 a.m. on Thursday, May 11. This year’s Power Hour times are as follows:
- May 10: 6–7 a.m., 9–10 a.m., noon–1 p.m. 3–4 p.m., 6–7 p.m., 10–11 p.m.
- May 11: 9–10 a.m.
More than $200,000 in cash prizes will be awarded to nonprofits this year. Check in with the nonprofits that you plan to support to see if they are strategizing around a certain Power Hour or prize. This will help you decide when to make your donation.
3.) Find Employer-Matching Funds
Many employers will match charitable giving donations on Give STL Day and throughout the year. Check to see if your employer offers matching funds.
4.) Get Online and Participate
Finally, be sure to tell your friends about Give STL Day. Donations of all sizes make a big difference to nonprofits and the mission they serve. Celebrate the organizations that make our region a great place to live—and give.
This post was created by SLM Partner Studio on behalf of St. Louis Community Foundation. To learn more about the Foundation, visit stlgives.org. To learn more about Give STL Day, please visit givestlday.org.
