Nonprofits net over $1.76 million from Give Day Tampa Bay

More than $1.76 million was raised for 420 bay area nonprofits during the 2018 Give Day Tampa Bay challenge, the 24-hour online event that took place May 1. The Community Foundation of Tampa Bay-sponsored campaign reported contributions from more than 8,200 donors.

Although the largest totals were reserved for community organizations and animal services, the donations were particularly gratifying for arts and cultural organizations, which were altogether allotted a record low of $2.65 million in state funding this year. Thirty-six individual donors gave a total of $23,075 to St. Petersburg’s Warehouse Arts District Association – the most substantial amount in the arts category.

Among the largest amounts received: Big Cat Rescue ($76,412); Metropolitan Ministries, Inc. ($26,446); Center for Great Apes ($24,615); Suncoast Animal League ($18,825); Quantum Leap Farm ($18,220); Community Food Pantry ($19,315); Benedictine Sisters of Florida, Inc. ($16,525); High Risk Hope, Inc. ($13,599); Tampa Bay Beagle Rescue ($11,860).

The Community Foundation of Tampa Bay placed an emphasis on matching donations in order to exponentially increase the amount of money raised by a nonprofit, and maximize the nonprofits’ impact on their communities.

“The Tampa Bay community stepped up again this year to support the important work of our local nonprofits,” said Marlene Spalten, president and CEO of the Community Foundation of Tampa Bay in a press release. “Matching donations were one of our main goals this year because they help nonprofits think strategically and increase their capabilities.”

In addition, the Foundation awarded $5,000 to Largo’s Eight O’Clock Theatre as “the nonprofit that executed the most creative and unique strategy.”

“Of course we always strive to raise funds on Give Day, but raising awareness of Tampa Bay’s nonprofits and the vital work they do is a high priority, too,” Spalten added. “We hope to continue the push to support nonprofits in our community.”

Prizes were awarded to the nonprofits that had the most unique donors in their categories. See all results here.