Today’s the day. Right now.
Every year, the Seattle Foundation puts up somewhere around $1,000,000 in “stretch pool” funding as part of their GiveBIG event. All donations made through the GiveBIG website to King County-based 501(c)3’s that have registered will receive a percentage of matching funds from the stretch pool, as a percentage of the total amount donated. So, the more that you donate to your favorite charitable organization directly, the more the Seattle Foundation’s stretch pool will go to them, as well.
Wait, one more detail: only donations made today, May 3rd from midnight to midnight count!
So, who are you thinking you’ll support today? So many good causes, it’s hard to choose, right? Here’s a short list of suggestions:
- FamilyWorks: Wallingford-based food bank and family resources center (with a new, extended charter to serve Greenwood)
- Wallingford Community Senior Center: In addition to the Seattle Foundation stretch pool, an anonymous donor has pledged to match donations made today dollar for dollar, up to $5,000
- Fremont Arts Council: Produces the Solstice Parade, May Day,Luminata, Troll-o-ween, and Winter Feast, among other pleasures.
- Washington Green Schools: Their mission is to “challenge students and schools to create sustainable communities through educational experiences that transform school environments.”
- Seattle Public Theater: Their mainstage is the converted bathhouse on Green Lake.
- Earshot Jazz Society of Seattle: cultivates a vibrant jazz community by engaging audiences, celebrating artists, and supporting arts education to ensure the legacy and progression of the art form.
- Fremot Abbey Arts Center: They believe “small, up-close shows can help increase empathy and community connection in our city.”
And many, many more.
I’d love to hear your recommendations in the comments!
And hey, you want to stretch your dollar even further? Don’t forget that many employers will match charitable donations made by their employees. FamilyWorks has a great page set up where you can look up your employer to find out whether they match and how to get ‘er done.
Apparently, as of 8:30 am, there are technical difficulties with the website. If you tried to donate in the morning and the button was missing or the site was slow, try again later–they are working on it. No word yet on if the deadline will be extended.
Nope, button still not there. Amazing day for Kimbia, their “technology partner and payment platform”. 🙁
You had one job, Kimbia, one job.