Gifts, training, more in store for area nonprofits

NWA Gives returns April 8 for the fourth annual 12-hour online giving event to benefit local nonprofit organizations. Organizers say participating 501(c)3 organizations will be supplied with free fundraising training complimentary of presenting sponsor, the Walton Family Foundation.

Registered groups will also be eligible for up to $12,000 in prizes provided by First Security Bank; $10,000 of which will be distributed through random drawings and contests every hour on the hour April 8. Contest categories include “most inspiring video” and “best social media post.”

According to a news release, “Northwest Arkansas is quickly becoming the most generous community in America,” says Chris Haas, NWA Gives Board chairman. “Benton County was recently ranked No. 1 in the country for charitable donations. We want this spirit of giving to continue and help make Northwest Arkansas the most generous place on earth.”

Last year, the NWA Gives event raised a total of $525,671, benefiting 202 nonprofits.

“The effect of NWA Gives is tremendous because these nonprofits are providing services and resources to so many under-served people,” says Haas. “When we help each other, the entire community reaps the rewards.”

Begun by Tim Howington and Chris Haas, NWA Gives was launched in the spring of 2018.

Sponsors for the 2021 event include the Walton Family Foundation, First Security Bank, Pure Charity, Freedom5:one Ministries, Intercut Productions, 3W Magazine, 90.9 KLRC, and Lamar.

(NWA Democrat-Gazette file photo/J.T. Wampler) Program therapist Kate Siegenthaler (right) conducts a weekly group session at Havenwood in Bentonville in 2017. Havenwood provides transitional housing for single mothers and was one of more than 200 NWA Gives beneficiaries. The 2021 12-hour online giving event to benefit local nonprofit organizations is set for April 8.