2014 Giving Challenge kicks off in May with foundation collaboration

The Giving Challenge is back and bigger than ever for 2014.

Our community will have the opportunity to“Give Local” May 6-7 from noon until noon during The Giving Challenge, which will benefit more than 400 local nonprofits with profiles on The Giving Partner, a digital tool for informed philanthropy. This year's giving event coincides with a national "give local" initiative of more than 60 communities across the country.

A highlight yet again this year is the collaboration and participation of many of our region's foundations, including the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, the Charlotte Community Foundation, the Manatee Community Foundation, the William G. and Marie Selby Foundation and even support from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.

The participating nonprofit organizations will be eligible to receive match funds for new and increased gifts from a total of $450,000 offered by The Patterson Foundation. The Patterson Foundation shared a special incentive this year to collaborating funders -- offering to contribute $2 for matching new and increased donations for every $1 donated by funders for prizes and awards (the funders came together to offer $250,000 this year for prizes and awards!)

Be sure to visit www.givingpartnerchallenge.org from noon on May 6 through noon May 7 to donate.