Fifty local nonprofit causes have registered to participate in the first-ever North Platte Giving Day on May 3, hosted by Mid-Nebraska Community Foundation.

“During this 24-hour community giving event, you can choose your favorite cause or causes and give to them either online or at a local donation site,” said Eric Seacrest, Community Foundation executive director.

“It’s easy, and it’s exciting.  There will be cash prizes for nonprofits, a real-time leaderboard, and fun events.  Also, matching funds have been pledged to many nonprofits that will match donations made on May 3.”

Donors anywhere can make secure donations online May 3 on the website www.NorthPlatteGivingDay.org.  Online giving is the fastest growing method used by donors to make charitable gifts, Seacrest said.

Donors also can drop off a check at one of the Giving Day Donation Sites that will include locations of several participating nonprofits.

Donations made online will help nonprofit causes get cash prizes from thousands of dollars provided by sponsors and awarded throughout the day on May 3.  For more information about sponsorships contact Mid-Nebraska Community Foundation, 534-3315 or [email protected].

Some nonprofit causes already have pledges of matching funds to match donations from the public.  One organization has $100,000 in matching funds pledged to match other donations received on Giving Day.

Each participating nonprofit cause is qualified as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization and Giving Day donations are deductible as charitable contributions to the extent allowed by law.

North Platte Giving Day is modeled after other giving day events held around the country.

North Platte Giving Day fits the mission of the Community Foundation to serve charitable people and worthy causes, said Larry Stobbs, Community Foundation president.  “Our Board of Directors wants the community to know more about the important work of nonprofits and their need for support to carry out their activities.” 

“Giving Day makes helping nonprofits a shared community experience,” Stobbs said.

Almost all 50 participating nonprofits are well known locally and they include organizations based in Brady, Hershey, Maxwell, and Sutherland as well as North Platte.

The list of participating community causes can be viewed online at www.NorthPlatteGivingDay.org.

501(c)(3) organizations located in and serving North Platte and Lincoln County have until April 6 to register participate in North Platte Giving Day.  There is no charge for registration.