Community members celebrate the Fremont Area Big Give, including these Zesto’s employees during a recent local day of giving.
Hosted by the Fremont Area Community Foundation, the 10th annual Fremont Area Big Give will take place on Thursday, May 7.
The online giving event raises funds and awareness for nonprofits in the greater Dodge County area each May. This year it runs from midnight to midnight on May 7 at www.FremontAreaBigGive.org, but individuals who can’t wait to support their favorite organizations can visit the website when the Early Giving period begins on May 1 and make their donation of at least $10.
Last year, the Big Give raised more than $480,000 for area nonprofits. Since inception, the Big Give has raised more than $3 million for participating organizations.
“Without strong nonprofits in our communities, the Fremont area wouldn’t thrive,” said Melissa Diers, executive director of the Fremont Area Community Foundation. “They fulfill a vital role in helping area families in a variety of ways—like providing housing stability, food security and special needs programming for youth. They enhance cultural and family entertainment opportunities for area residents, maintain our parks and historical landmarks, and are relied upon for emergency services. Without strong nonprofits, the Fremont area would not be the great place it is to live, work and play.”
Supporting this local day of giving is easy but impactful.
“With a gift of just $10, anyone can be a part of the Fremont Area Big Give,” Diers said. “The website—www.fremontareabiggive.org—is easy to navigate and functions much like an online store. You can search for your favorite nonprofits, or for nonprofits making a difference in your area of interest (for example, helping youth, animals or specific communities), click the ‘Donate’ button, choose a gift amount and add that donation to your ‘shopping cart.’”
Donors can support multiple organizations, with gifts of various amounts, in a single transaction. They can make gifts in honor or memory of someone. And they can help organizations win a variety of participation prizes. In fact, last year, a number of donors offered matching gifts to incentivize others to support their favorite nonprofits. More information about matching gifts can be found at www.fremontareabiggive.org.
“The foundation is grateful to have the support of many Big Give sponsors who fund prizes the nonprofits can win during the day,” said Diers. “Our friends at FNBO, Pinnacle Bank and RVR Bank have provided leadership support to the Big Give since Year 1 and fund prizes multiple times throughout the day. But many others come alongside to incentivize donors to give and provide prizes throughout the 24-hour period.”
To qualify, organizations must have at least 25 donors giving $25 or more and raise a minimum of $2,500 (excluding prize money). Nonprofits with existing endowments at FACF will receive an additional $10,000, or a new fund can be established.
The goal of the event is to show off the area’s spirit of giving, raise awareness about local nonprofits, and celebrate the collective work it takes to make the Fremont area great.
Donors can follow the day’s progress by visiting the Fremont Area Community Foundation’s Facebook page or watching the Leaderboards at www.fremontareabiggive.org. The public is invited to attend the Big Give “Hoppy” Hour from 5 to 7 p.m. at the 505 Brewery, 349 N. Main Street, and enjoy snacks, Big Dog-Big Give Trivia games, and the day’s signature cocktail—the Big Give Brown Ale.
