Nonprofits urged to apply for Big Give

Big Give McCook is set for Thursday, Nov. 15. But first, it is time to round up the local non-profit organizations, which would like to be involved in the third annual, fund-raising event.

Last year, Big Give McCook organizers opened up the one-day, fund-raiser to all local non-profit organizations. They are again encouraging local non-profits to join the 21 organizations already involved in Big Give McCook.

Along with support on Nov. 15, all that is required to be part of Big Give McCook is filling out an application on the website, www.biggivemccook.org, under “Sign Up” form.

To be eligible for Big Give McCook, organizations must have a 501(c)3 exempt status in good standing with the IRS as well as have a physical presence and provide services for Southwest Nebraska. Private foundations and political or governmental organizations are excluded from the event. Religious organizations are also excluded except those providing community programs. All applications are ultimately approved by the McCook Community Chest Board, which oversees Big Give McCook. Applications from non-profit organizations will be accepted through Wednesday, August 1.

Now in its’ third year, Big Give McCook is one day devoted to philanthropy, where every donation - large or small - makes a difference. From midnight to midnight on Nov. 15, dozens of local non-profits will be eligible for donations, whether they are given online or in person at “giving stations” around McCook. People can choose both how much they would like to give along with where the money should go. There will also be matching funds, provided by local businesses supporting the event, making those donations go even further.

During the 2017 Big Give McCook, more than $137,000 was raised on a single day from hundreds of individual donors. The McCook Community Chest, which coordinates the Big Give Day, hopes to raise at least as much as last year and hopefully pass that number this fall.

The Community Chest provides financial resources to a dozen agencies in McCook, which serve the basic needs of the community. Community Chest is a sub-account of the McCook Community Foundation Fund, which also provides financial support for Big Give McCook and is an affiliated fund of the Nebraska Community Foundation.

For more information about Big Give McCook, visit the Big Give website or call Community Chest co-coordinators Lisa Felker or Melissa Stritt at (308) 345-4240.