September is a special time at the Washington Symphony Orchestra, according to its board chairman, Hannah Dombrowski. “As a nonprofit, fundraising is a year-round endeavor, but September is special with WCCF Gives. Our board members, musicians, and donors all get excited about the giving opportunity,” she said.
The WSO is one of 134 charities that is relying on the community’s support through WCCF Gives this year. Participating charities were vetted to ensure compliance with both federal and state charitable giving requirements. And charities that meet an industry best practice by having their financial statements audited are identified on the check contribution form and the website.
WCCF Gives is centered on community. All the money raised through WCCF Gives stays in Washington County and supports local community programs. “Not only does WCCF Gives help keep meaningful resources and programs here, but it’s also an investment that comes right back to our patrons,” said Monongahela Library Director Amanda Gabeletto.
“The funds we receive benefit the patrons we serve. It’s a beautiful circle of philanthropy.” Charities of all sizes benefit, including the Washington County Watershed Alliance.
Board Treasurer Terri Gladus emphasized how valuable donations are to sustaining this small but impactful organization. “As a small nonprofit, every donation is mission critical. Our donations enable volunteers to organize community stream clean-ups, host environmental education activities, and conduct rigorous long-term stream monitoring.
” What has been the long-term impact of WCCF Gives? Since its creation in 2013, WCCF Gives has raised nearly $12 million for local charities. The Washington City Mission, which has done extremely well with WCCF Gives, is grateful for the opportunity because its development professionals know that nonprofit fundraising is difficult. “When I look at the final numbers – not just ours, but all of the organizations who benefited – I am filled with immense gratitude for what you started so long ago and have fostered with such determination and competence,” said Dr.
Sally Mounts, Chief Development Officer for the City Mission. “Thank you so much for smoothing the fundraising pathway for all of us who work hard to raise money for our organizations.” WCCF Gives started as one single day of giving but has evolved over time into a giving event conducted over several months.
The giving began on June 1 with check contributions and will conclude this year on Sept. 19, when credit card contributions will be accepted through the website. The final day of the giving event is an exciting one, as contribution totals for all charities are displayed in real time on the website leaderboard.
One thing about the event that has never changed is that charities do not pay any fees to participate. And, contributions are enhanced by a $100,000 bonus pool provided by our sponsors, Chapman Corp., Washington Financial Charitable Foundation, CNX Foundation, Alex E.
Paris Contracting, South Hills Toyota, COEN Markets, and the Observer-Reporter. If you haven’t yet joined in the community giving, you still have time. Checks made payable to WCCF may be mailed to the foundation from now until Sept.
19. If you prefer to give by credit card, log onto wccfgives.org on Sept.
19 anytime between 8 a.m. and 8 p.
m. and select the charities that touch your heart. Your gift will help maintain valuable programs for the betterment of our community.
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