While some may be powering down for summer hibernation, nonprofits are gearing up for a repeat performance of the North Texas history-making fundraiser — North Texas Giving Day. Once again the folks over at Communities Foundation of Texas are orchestrating the wallet-opening program that will take place on Thursday, September 20.
Ah, remember back in 2011 when North Texans showed their generosity to such a degree that it blew up the online giving forcing folks to use their phones to call in their donations… and that overloaded the system, too?
But that’s all in the rearview mirror. This year’s event is bigger and more streamline than ever. That’s why it’s pretty darn important that nonprofits attend one of five kick-off sessions to learn about the new bells and whistles plus get some insider tips.
Here’s the schedule of the free 10 a.m. to noon kick-off sessions:
- Wednesday, May 30: Collin County Kick-Off at Collin College (2400 Community Avenue in McKinney)
- Thursday, May 31: Denton County Kick-Off at Liberty Christian Academy (1301 US-377 in Argyle)
- Monday, June 4: Dallas County Kick-Off at Moody Performance Center (2520 Flora Street in Dallas)
- Tuesday, June 5: Grayson County Kick-Off at Austin College (900 N. Grand Avenue in Sherman)
- Thursday, June 7: Tarrant County Kick-Off at Nolan Catholic High School (4501 Bridge Street in Fort Worth)
Conducting the sessions will NTGD Mother Hen Susan Swan Smith, who is the Jaap van Zweden of the fundraising program.
Even if you’re a NTGD oldtimer, you’ll want to check out the new developments like the new website features, “Peer-to-Peer FUNdraising,” timelines, multi-media hints, new capabilities and registration processes, 10 days of scheduled giving, donor volunteer opportunities and so much more to raise funds and awareness. The sessions are easy; they’re free; they’re just two hours; and you can sign up here!
Communities Foundation of Texas has come a long way since that first NTGD in 2009 when they provided $4M for 345 nonprofits. Last year alone NTGD provided more than $39M through 137,000 gifts for 2,723 nonprofits. Don’t you know the rest of the country is scratching their heads about North Texans and their “spirit and power of giving”?
*Graphic and photo provided by Communities Foundation of Texas