Give BIG raises more than $500,000 in 24 hours

Give BIG San Bernardino County raised more than half a million dollars today for 262 local nonprofits during a 24-hour web-a-thon, surpassing a $300,000 goal set by the campaign.

The County of San Bernardino congratulates and thanks the Community Foundation, who organized Give BIG San Bernardino County for their hard work in making the online fundraiser a success. A BIG thanks to the community who also stepped up, opening their hearts and wallets with extraordinary generosity.

Online donations and other monies raised during the campaign totaled $548,214 to help support a variety of services for children, seniors, families, veterans and animals throughout the county. About $33,000 of the total amount raised was provided by sponsors for prize money awarded to the top 10 nonprofits that brought in the most new donors and the top five nonprofits that raised the most money.

For the first time, Give BIG San Bernardino County brought nonprofits, sponsors and community members together to raise money, but to also encourage a culture of philanthropy among a new generation of donors. Nonprofits also received valuable training and structure to help market their causes, particularly through the use of social media.

“Our county came together in a way it never has before.  Raising this amount of money in just one day is an incredible task. I’m so proud of the 400 volunteers, the 262 nonprofits and the residents of San Bernardino County,” said Supervisor James Ramos when he learned of the final results. “We asked and you answered. We truly have amazing people who are doing remarkable things and when these people are called upon to deliver, they go above and beyond anyone’s expectations. Our County gave big and in a big way.”

“Give BIG raised a lot of money for nonprofit groups serving residents throughout our County, and it raised awareness about the important work these organizations do,” Board of Supervisors Chair Janice Rutherford said. “Now it’s time for those nonprofits to use the Give BIG momentum to build their donor bases and develop strategies to secure continued support for their great work.”

The County supported Give BIG San Bernardino County to help increase the capacity of local nonprofit organizations to provide services to county residents. More than 20 percent of people in San Bernardino County, including one of every four children, live below the poverty line. Nonprofit organizations in the county receive an average of just $3 per county resident in private foundation grants – which is only 2.5 percent of the statewide average of $119 per person.

“Thank you to everyone who gave,” said Supervisor Robert Lovingood. “Give BIG proves that many people working — and giving together can truly make a difference in serving others.”

“It was great to see our residents wisely invest in our future,” said Supervisor Gary Ovitt. “What a great place San Bernardino County is to live, work and raise our families.”

Supervisor Josie Gonzales called the effort “simply amazing.”

“Thank you San Bernardino County,” Gonzales said.  “By giving more than half a million dollars to our nonprofits you’ve demonstrated incredible generosity, compassion, and a commitment to changing lives. Give BIG is about more than just raising money for charity.  It is about empowering our nonprofits so they can continue to bring hope to communities and lift up those who need it most.”