Residents donate $140k in 12 hours to nonproifts

“The camaraderie between the nonprofit organizations and on how they rooted for each other, and old stories about how they collaborate with each other, was extremely powerful.” — Brittany Lovett, marketing and communications officer for the Community Foundation of Lorain County

Local residents donated over $140,000 Sept. 17 to nonprofit organization through Connect to a Cause hosted by the Community Foundation of Lorain County.

More than 1,000 individuals gave money to the 56 organizations that participated in Connect to a Cause, a 12-hour, coordinated crowdfunding campaign.

Donations ranged in size from $5 to $5,000.

“Lorain County is a warm, generous and caring community,” said Cynthia H. Andrews, president and CEO of the Community Foundation of Lorain County. “This is what makes it such a special place to live, work and play.

“This outpouring of support for the nonprofit organizations that play such a vital role in our community, is overwhelming.”

Originally, The Community Foundation planned to host Connect to a Cause to celebrate its 40th anniversary before the novel coronavirus pandemic swept across the globe.

The pandemic further amplified the need in Lorain County, according to a news release from the Community Foundation.

People struggling turn to nonprofit organizations in the area, and they, in turn, stepped up to fill the gaps, the release said.

“Our first Connect to a Cause was a great success,” said Brittany Lovett, marketing and communications officer for the Community Foundation of Lorain County. “The camaraderie between the nonprofit organizations and on how they rooted for each other, and old stories about how they collaborate with each other, was extremely powerful.”

The increased need left shortfalls in resources, making Connect to a Cause all the more critical to help connect people who care with causes that matter, Lovett said.

The Community Foundation Board of Directors contributed $40,000 to distribute among the participating organizations on a prorated basis according to the amount each raised.

“During a challenging time for all of us, it felt so rewarding to know that the residents of Lorain County, not only support the Community Foundation of Lorain County, but supported all 56 organizations,” Lovett said. “And we were able to raise $140,000 that will stay right here in the Lorain County and be put toward the residents in helping them through this pandemic and beyond.”

The winner of the bonus dollars will be announced Sept. 24 in the Community Foundation’s newsletter, website and social media platforms.

Participating nonprofits were diverse and represented arts and culture, education and youth development, community development, emergency needs, health and human services and social justice.

For more information on the participating organizations and the amounts raised for each nonprofit, visit peoplewhocare.org.

“We believe in the power of community and the generosity of Lorain County residents to support one another,” Andrews said. “This is the founding principle of the Community Foundation.

“Responding to changing needs is what we do. And, it is gratifying to see community residents join us in coming to the aid of others. We thank everyone who played a role in making Connect to a Cause a success for our community.”