An online day of giving to support local nonprofits
Madison, WI – On Tuesday, March 1, local nonprofit organizations will host The Big Share®, an online day of giving organized by Community Shares of Wisconsin and focused on social and environmental justice. Now in its eighth year, the annual campaign is themed “Make Change Happen” and set to raise over $500,000 for the 70 nonprofit members of Community Shares of Wisconsin. For the first time, the group hopes to engage 5,000 individual donors, as well. The Big Share features a day-long online telethon with local entertainment and updates from Community Shares. Visit thebigshare.org for details.
“Community Shares of Wisconsin is a hub for supporting the local causes we care about most,” said Board President Bernie Hoes. “All donations help make change happen. With a minimum donation of $5, we hope to engage all individuals looking to get involved. The Big Share amplifies your donations with matches and nonprofit bonuses, making it a great tool for people who want to work for systemic change.”
Community members will find it easy and fun to donate to their favorite groups, and often time their donations to maximize support. Visit thebigshare.org to search for groups by name or by issue area. Donate to one group or multiple groups. A gift to Community Shares of Wisconsin supports all groups.
Donors can take their advocacy for social and environmental justice to the next level by creating a personal fundraising campaign to build support for the organizations and causes they care about.
The Big Share kicks off with an online event at 6pm on February 28. The event features online Drag Queen Bingo and a Super Power Hour where the nonprofit that raises the most money and the nonprofit with the most donors will each be awarded a $1,500 bonus. The kickoff event and Super Power Hour are sponsored by Madison Gas and Electric Foundation. The public can register in advance to join the kickoff event and receive a bingo card.
The fun continues March 1 when Community Shares will host Big Share Live, a day-long online telethon highlighting local entertainment and featuring interviews with, and information from, Community Shares’ member nonprofit leaders and other friends of Community Shares. The online event allows the public to follow along with the fun and help participating charities win cash prizes donated by local businesses and individuals. Big Share Live will close the night with a special online performance by the Tony Castañeda Latin Jazz Band live from Dark Horse ArtBar. Big Share Live will broadcast on thebigshare.org and on YouTube.
“Now is a key time to support the nonprofits working for equality and systemic change,” said Executive Director Cheri Dubiel. “The last two years have both demonstrated and exacerbated the need for change. Our member groups work to improve life and create a just place for all. The Big Share gives every donor, large or small, an opportunity to empower these groups and make change happen.”
The Big Share’s 2022 principal partner is Madison Community Foundation.
Major sponsors are Boardman & Clark LLP, Madison Gas and Electric Foundation, and Exact Sciences.
Media sponsors are captimes.com, Triple MMM 105.5, and News 3 Now.
Additional sponsors include Summit Credit Union, Wegner CPAs, Scott Haumersen, CUNA Mutual Group, Ascendium Education Group, Willy Street Co-op, Custer Financial Services, First Business Bank, SVA Financial, Lake Effect HR & Law, and Scholz Nonprofit Law.
Since 1971, Community Shares of Wisconsin and its members have worked together to advance social justice and protect the environment in Wisconsin. Together they envision a future where people come together to ensure every member of their community is safe, healthy, and able to thrive.
