The Audacious Project Raises $1 Billion

Posted on
By JohnPosted In: Fundraising

The Audacious Project, a philanthropic initiative hosted by TED, raised $1.03 billion in two days to support large scale nonprofit work around the world. The funding will support more than a dozen organizations working on health, education, environmental protection, and humanitarian response.

The Audacious Project invites nonprofits to present plans that require funding beyond the reach of traditional grants. After a year-long selection process, selected organizations present their work directly to a room of donors who pledge funds together. Fifty five families fund The Audacious Project, and each commits a minimum donation of $10 million. The collective setting often leads to larger commitments as donors build momentum during the gathering.

Several organizations secured major support in this round of funding. The African nonprofit Tiko received backing to expand health services for teenage girls. Its programs provide contraception, HIV care, and support for survivors of sexual violence. The organization plans to reach more communities across Africa where access to care remains limited.

Last Mile Health received a second grant through the program. The funding will expand its work training community health workers across Africa. Since 2018 the organization has helped grow this workforce from about 2,000 people to more than 23,000, strengthening local health systems and expanding access to care in remote areas.

Other funded groups include Braven, Imagine Worldwide, Ipas, The Ocean Cleanup, and Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team. The results show that major donors remain willing to support ambitious nonprofit work when organizations present clear plans and measurable goals.

Readers’ Donations Support Scottish Children’s Charity

Posted on
By JohnPosted In: FundraisingTagged: ,

Readers of The Scottish Sun have contributed a total of £42,000 to support a Scottish children’s charity through a recent fundraising campaign. The appeal invited members of the public to donate in order to assist children and families facing hardship across Scotland.

The £42,000 raised will be used to fund projects that provide practical assistance and other forms of support for young people. These projects can include supplying basic items, backing local initiatives, and helping maintain services aimed at improving children’s day-to-day lives.

Organizers have indicated that this funding will help strengthen current programs and extend help to more communities. By adding to the charity’s budget, the donations make it easier to continue work focused on children experiencing social or economic disadvantages.

The outcome of the campaign shows how a reader-led effort can generate a significant financial contribution to third-sector work. The £42,000 total gives the organization additional capacity to operate and further develop initiatives for children in need across Scotland.

How Year-End Giving Shapes Nonprofits’ Fundraising

Posted on
By JohnPosted In: FundraisingTagged: , ,

Today is Giving Tuesday, the annual day of philanthropy following Thanksgiving. Since its start in 2012, it has grown into one of the largest fundraising events for U.S. nonprofits. In 2024, Giving Tuesday donations reached $3.6 billion, reflecting its growing significance in the philanthropic calendar.

The day also marks the start of the year-end giving season. Nonprofits typically receive about 30% of their annual donations in December, with roughly 10% arriving in the final three days of the year. This concentration reflects both seasonal generosity and practical considerations, including tax planning.

Several factors may shape giving this year. Economic conditions, including inflation, may influence small-dollar donors. For example, a family that typically supports three local charities might focus on one or two this year. At the same time, strong stock market performance typically encourages larger contributions from major donors. Meanwhile, new tax legislation allowing deductions of up to $1,000 for individuals and $2,000 for couples, may affect giving decisions for many households..

For the 11% of Americans who itemize deductions, donations processed by December 31 can lower taxable income. Yet most donors give for reasons beyond taxes, motivated by community impact and seasonal goodwill.

Many nonprofits face increased demand for services while navigating funding changes, including recent adjustments to government programs. A local food bank, for instance, might see more families seeking assistance while managing reduced government grant funding. To balance these demands, many organizations are promoting donation-matching opportunities or monthly gifts to aid planning. Whether through Giving Tuesday or broader year-end campaigns, charitable giving remains shaped by a mix of personal motivation, community need, and financial considerations.

St. Patrick’s Day with Purpose

Posted on
By JohnPosted In: FundraisingTagged: , , ,

When most people think of St. Patrick’s Day, images of green beer and shamrocks come to mind. But in Pittsburgh, the holiday takes on a deeper meaning through The Ireland Funds‘ annual Pittsburgh Gala.

Founded in 1976 by Pittsburgh businessmen Dan Rooney (owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers) and Tony O’Reilly (former CEO of H.J. Heinz Co.), The Ireland Funds has raised over $650 million for causes in Ireland and Irish communities worldwide.

This year’s “Green Tie” Pittsburgh Gala, held on March 17, 2025, at Acrisure Stadium’s UPMC Club, raised more than $700,000. The event honored Chip Ganassi, who received The Daniel M. Rooney Ambassador’s Award, and Evan Frazier, who was awarded The Patricia R. Rooney Community Impact Award for his work in the Pittsburgh region.

The gala featured creative auction packages including “Touchdown in Ireland”—a trip to watch the Steelers play at Dublin’s Croke Park—and “Chase the Checkered Flag”—an Indianapolis 500 experience with Chip Ganassi Racing.

While St. Patrick’s Day is often associated with revelry, The Ireland Funds offers an alternative: a celebration that honors Irish heritage while creating tangible positive change through support for education, arts, peace initiatives, and community development.

Year-End Giving: A Win-Win for Donors and Nonprofits

Posted on
By JohnPosted In: FundraisingTagged: , , , , , ,

As December draws to a close, the spirit of giving reaches its peak, creating a powerful opportunity for both donors and nonprofit organizations. This surge in charitable giving isn’t just about holiday goodwill—it’s a strategic approach that benefits everyone involved.

For donors, the advantages of year-end giving are significant. Making charitable contributions before December 31st allows individuals to claim valuable tax deductions, potentially reducing their taxable income for the year. Many employers offer matching gift programs during this period, effectively doubling the impact of donations. Additionally, those with IRAs can benefit from charitable rollovers that count toward required minimum distributions while supporting causes they care about.

Leading organizations showcase the effectiveness of strategic year-end campaigns. The Salvation Army’s iconic Red Kettle Campaign regularly raises over $100 million. It demonstrates how tradition and innovation can work together, combining their familiar bell ringers with modern payment options like QR codes and mobile giving. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital’s Thanks and Giving Campaign reached the $1 billion milestone last year with the money going to support their work to advance research and treatment for pediatric catastrophic diseases. They transparently show donors the real-life impact of different gift levels and share stories of the children they serve.

Many nonprofits rely heavily on this season of generosity, with approximately 30% of annual giving in the US occurring in December alone. This concentrated period of giving helps organizations meet their annual budget goals, ensuring they can maintain and expand their vital programs in the coming year. The increased visibility during year-end campaigns also helps organizations attract new supporters and strengthen relationships with existing donors.

The timing couldn’t be better for creating meaningful impact. The holiday season can inspire reflection and gratitude, making people more inclined to support causes they care about. Whether honoring loved ones through memorial gifts, establishing a giving tradition, or simply sharing the joy of the season, end-of-year giving creates a ripple effect of positive change in communities.