Record 240 nonprofits prepare for Give Ozarks Day

A record 240-plus nonprofits plan to participate in the third-annual online fundraising event Give Ozarks Day.

Starting at midnight, nonprofits will be able to fundraise for various causes through GiveOzarks.org. The website utilizes Mostly Serious LLC’s crowdfunding portal Cause Momentum, of which Community Foundation of the Ozarks is a partner. Last year, nearly 225 nonprofits participated, up from around 150 in the first year.

Last year, $1.18 million from more than 11,800 donors was raised. The leading nonprofit was The Arc of the Ozarks, which brought in $33,154 through 331 donors. The overall total bested the inaugural year of $1.02 million in 2015, according to Springfield Business Journal archives. CFO spokeswoman Louise Knauer declined to provide a specific target for tomorrow’s campaign.

Nonprofits will be eligible throughout the day for $206,500 in cash prizes and matching funds, including three new $5,000 jackpots. The total includes $100,000 sponsored by CFO for matching funds for 20 nonprofits selected through endowment challenge grants. New features this year include anonymous donations and customized branding for CFO affiliate communities with multiple participants, according to the release.

Highlights of participating nonprofits this year:
    •    Ozarks Food Harvest, which is targeting $30,000 to support its weekend backpack program, is working with area restaurants to get the word out.
    •    Care to Learn sent a series of emails counting down the reasons why donors should help the cause.
    •    The Springfield Art Museum is sharing the hashtag #GetAmped in hopes of raising $10,000 to repair and restore its outdoor amphitheater. A $10,000 matching gift awaits the art museum if it reaches its goal.
    •    The Discovery Center is seeking $10,000 to provide summer, field trip and programming scholarships. The center is using social media to promote its goals.
    •    Diaper Bank of the Ozarks is using the #CheersForChange hashtag to promote its efforts.
    •    The James River Basis Partnership is hosting a fundraising event called Cash Bash tomorrow at Springfield Brewing Co., including live music. The nonprofit has a $2,000 match goal supported by Bass Pro Shops.
    •    Jesus Was Homeless wants $3,000 to help toward Phase II of an after-school child care building.