Nonprofits in East Texas benefited from the generosity of 5,860 donors during East Texas Giving Day, the region’s recognized day of giving to support local nonprofits, where donors contributed $2,689,308 to support the causes they care about in 32 East Texas counties.

Charitable individuals can contribute to East Texas Giving Day, an 18-hour online event supporting local nonprofits. Donations can be made from 6 a.m. to midnight on Tuesday, April 30.

“It’s a great opportunity to raise awareness of our local charities and try to engage as many people as possible in the giving process,” East Texas Communities Foundation President and CEO Kyle Penney said.

Organized by the East Texas Communities Foundation (ETCF), this initiative presents a chance for community members to support diverse causes spanning a 32-county region, said Penney. Participating nonprofit organizations encompass various focuses, including human services, education, health, environment and more.

Whether donating during the early giving phase or on the day itself, every contribution helps provide essential funding for nonprofit organizations serving the East Texas region.

Since the ETCF started the event nine years ago, in 2016, it has raised $13.8 million for charities. This year marks a record-breaking participation, with 366 organizations participating, and the foundation aims to secure $3 million in donations.

Initially, the concept of public displays of generosity was unfamiliar, but the growing number of participating organizations underscores its effectiveness.

This approach entails organizations actively engaging with their current donors, urging them to share the event with friends and proactively promoting it across various social media platforms.

“That’s the viral nature of Giving Day. It’s not just a quiet, silent, private personal event like most giving is. It’s meant to be more out front,” Penney said. “If you tell people that you gave to a certain organization and why, it’s those stories, those individuals telling why an organization is important to them and why they support it. That’s what attracts other people.”

East Texas Giving Day provides a platform for individuals to rally behind the missions of local nonprofits serving their communities and attract new donors. Statistics consistently show that 25 to 35% of donors contribute for the first time during this event.

Penney highlighted that East Texas Giving Day is vital in establishing a network of annual ongoing support for these organizations to maintain their daily operations.

According to Penney, participating in East Texas Giving Day is straightforward. Individuals can visit easttexasgivingday.org to browse a list of charities or search for specific organizations, geographical areas or categories. There, they can learn more about their chosen organization and donate immediately.

The minimum donation amount is $10 and you can support numerous charities in one transaction. East Texas Communities Foundation offers prize money to participating nonprofits. Additionally, many nonprofits have raised matching funds to help the dollars go even further.

2024 participating organizations include the following (Donate links underneath each organization’s name will take you straight to their donation page so you can contribute now during early giving or 6 a.m. to midnight Tuesday):

In 2023, 350 area nonprofits participated in East Texas Giving Day, combining for over over $2.8 million in donations.

East Texas Communities Foundation serves donors and nonprofits in the following 32 East Texas counties: Anderson, Angelina, Bowie, Camp, Cass, Cherokee, Delta, Franklin, Freestone, Gregg, Harrison, Henderson, Hopkins, Houston, Lamar, Leon, Marion, Morris, Nacogdoches, Panola, Rains, Red River, Rusk, Sabine, San Augustine, Shelby, Smith, Titus, Trinity, Upshur, Van Zandt and Wood.

Over the past 33 years, ETCF has impacted the community by receiving contributions totaling over $203 million; distributing charitable grants in excess of $136 million; and currently managing over $106 million in charitable assets. Plus, over 400-plus charitable funds have been established at ETCF.

WHAT: East Texas Giving Day 2024 benefiting 367 nonprofits across 32 counties

WHEN: Tuesday, April 30, 6 a.m. to midnight 

DONATE: www.easttexasgivingday.org/nonprofits

MORE INFORMATION: www.easttexasgivingday.org/faqs