This November as we prepare to celebrate and reflect on all that we are grateful for, don't forget to mark your calendars for the Thursday before Thanksgiving - Give to the Max Day!
Since its inception in 2009, Give to the Max Day has become Minnesota's most impactful single day of giving each year, responsible for raising $275 million for nonprofits throughout the state. In 2020 alone, despite all the ways the COVID-19 pandemic impacted families, Minnesota set a new record on this annual giving holiday of $30.4 million.1
Organized by GiveMN, a nonprofit that helps connect donors with Minnesota organizations, the event makes giving super easy, and offers plenty of opportunities to make your donations go further to support the causes of your choice.2 If you have been feeling inspired to make a year-end donation to an organization that positively impacts your community, November 18th might be the day to get the most bang for your charitable buck(s).
Wondering where to start? GiveMN.org is the home base for all things related to Give to the Max Day - here's how they make it easy and fun for everyone to get involved:
• If you've shopped online, you can give online.
Minimum donations are $10, and all that is needed is a credit card. Whether you'd like to "give big" to one organization near and dear to your heart or support several causes you care about, the website has a shopping cart feature so you only have to check out once.2
• Find exactly where you want your dollars to go.
There is an incredibly user-friendly search engine where you can filter down from 34,079 registered nonprofits, schools, and churches to what you are most interested in. You can choose by category like Arts & Culture or Education, select based on location, search specifically for organizations whose donations will be matched to make your dollars go further, and more.1
• There are PRIZES!
In addition to donations made by individuals, the Bush Foundation provides $100,000 towards randomly drawn "Golden Tickets" that can supplement your giving with an extra prize grant worth anywhere from $500-$10,000 to the organization you support. Every donation, no matter what the size, is eligible to win these additional grants.1
• You actually have 18 days to give.
While technically Give to the Max Day is Thursday, November 18th, Early Giving starts November 1st and runs 24 hours a day. All donations made through the 18th will be counted towards this giving holiday grand total.1
Beyond Gratitude and Transparency, we here at GTS Financial value Service- we aim to serve not only our clients but our employees, their families, and our community. We want to be a force for good in the world and hope you'll join us in that effort on November 18th.
1. GiveMN.org, November 2021
2. SCtimes.com, November 2019