Registration now open for Community Foundation’s 2024 Giving Challenge

For hundreds of nonprofit organizations expected to take part in the Community Foundation of Sarasota County’s 2024 Giving Challenge, the months leading up to the event in early April are crucial for gaining traction for the online giving event.

Registration opened Nov. 1 and is ongoing through Jan. 12 with those registered by Dec. 12 eligible for a drawing for a $500 cash award. Interested nonprofit leaders can register at givingchallenge.org. All participating organizations must have a profile on

The Giving Partner, an online directory of nonprofit organizations, by Jan. 12. Participation in the Giving Challenge and registration on The Giving Partner are free and available to all registered 501(c)3 organizations in Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee, and Sarasota counties.

Since 2012, the Giving Challenge has raised $75 million. Donations are amplified through a Patterson Foundation match that doubles donation dollars on unique gifts up to $100.

“The Giving Challenge inspires philanthropy and emphasizes the Community Foundation’s democratic credo that everyone can ‘Be the One’ to have a positive impact on the community,” said Roxie Jerde, president of the Community

Foundation.

In 2022, $16.2 million was raised in a 24-hour period, money that was delivered directly to the 667 participating nonprofits. More than 77% of survey participants reported that participation in the Giving Challenge helped their organization build capacity.

The Community Foundation of Sarasota County hosts workshops in the months leading up to the event, which this year will be noon to noon on April 9-10. Workshops offer nonprofit leaders best practices and strategies for marketing and development that leaders can utilize long after Giving Challenge dollars have been allocated.

Submitted by Rebecca Abrahamson