TUESDAY, MAY 7, 2019

The Community Foundation of North Louisiana founded Give for Good, a 24-hour giving day, in 2014. Since its inception, more than $8.1 million has been raised during Give for Good for participating North Louisiana nonprofit organizations. (Notably, the Community Foundation does not receive any of the proceeds.) Give for Good helps area nonprofits raise unrestricted dollars to facilitate the important and often life-changing assistance they provide to those in need in our community. From assisting the homeless to working with children and adults with special needs to providing lowcost spay and neuter services for animals, the nonprofits in North Louisiana provide vital services dependent upon the generosity of community donors. In one fun-filled day, Give for Good highlights the importance of supporting these nonprofits and brings the community together for philanthropy.

In addition to raising crucial unrestricted dollars for area nonprofits, Give for Good makes it clear that donations at any level can really make a difference. When the entire community gives collectively, all donors at all levels become philanthropists! Whether the gift is $10 or $10,000, when all Give for Good donations are combined, they are indispensable to the nonprofit services they support.

Since it began in 2014, the number of Give For Good donors has increased from 2,407 in the first year to 4,454 in 2018! This is due in part to the fact that donations made during Give For Good are amplified by the Lagniappe Fund, a bonus pool that matches donations on a pro rata basis and gives participating nonprofits “a little something extra.” The Lagniappe Fund is made possible through generous donations from the Grayson Foundation; the Powers Foundation; Heard, McElroy & Vestal; General Dynamics Information Technology; Cook, Yancey, King & Galloway; and the Community Foundation.

New this year, the Community Foundation and the Uptown Shopping Center located at 4800 Line Ave. will be hosting Shop for Good on Saturday, May 4, from 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. Attendees will be able to meet representatives from over 70 participating nonprofit organizations and learn more about their missions and programs. In addition, a percentage of the proceeds from purchases made at participating stores will be donated to the Lagniappe Fund.

Donors may begin scheduling online gifts now or wait until the big day to be a part of the action. For more information on how to participate in Give for Good, please go to the website: giveforgoodnla.org.

In 2018, Give For Good raised a record $1,876,807 in 24 hours for 205 area nonprofits. We are so thankful for the generosity of this community. Please join the Community Foundation in making 2019 the biggest Give For Good yet!

– Kristina B. Gustavson, Chief Executive Offi cer, Community Foundation of North Louisiana.