Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan hosts initiative to support nonprofits hard hit by pandemic.
MONTGOMERY, NY (May 18, 2020) – The COVID-19 outbreak has left many nonprofit organizations in the Hudson Valley with uncertain futures since key revenue-gathering events like galas and walks had to be cancelled due to social distancing. That’s why the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan (CFOS) is moving forward with its fifth annual Hudson Valley Gives on May 20, a completely online fundraising opportunity for nonprofits in the region. 134 local organizations are taking part.
“Nonprofits are facing unprecedented financial challenges due to the pandemic and are simultaneously tasked with delivering services to the most vulnerable populations,” said Elizabeth Rowley, President and CEO of CFOS. “It’s important for the fabric of our communities that these organizations have an opportunity to raise needed funds to keep their doors open. Hudson Valley Gives provides that opportunity in an entirely safe, online fashion.”
Over the last four years, Hudson Valley Gives has supported hundreds of nonprofits in seven Hudson Valley counties.
The Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan proudly leads this 24-hour initiative, in partnership with the Mid-Hudson Valley Association of Fundraising Professionals. This year’s effort has already surpassed a total of $1 million dollars raised. All donations received are deposited directly into each participating organization’s bank account. The site has been open to online donations since May 13.
“Hudson Valley Gives” is a regional initiative that supports local causes, with monies raised staying right here in the Hudson Valley. Any 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization incorporated in or serving the Hudson Valley — as well as charitable funds at local community foundations — may participate. Registered organizations offer “something for everyone” to support, including animal shelters, arts groups, ambulance corps, libraries, historical societies, museums,
farmland and environmental preservation groups, food pantries, human service organizations, health agencies and hospitals, recreation and youth groups, scholarship funds, and veterans’ organizations.
Event sponsors include Standback General Contractors, Walden Savings Bank, Steingart Printing, The Vargas Brothers, Orange Regional Medical Center, Touro College, Association of Fundraising Professionals, Mid-Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union, Seely & Durland Insurance, William A. Smith & Son Insurance, WALL Radio, Bold Gold Media Group, K104 Radio, Mid-Hudson News, and proud supporter the Dyson Foundation.
Standback General Contractors has generously offered to cover all online fees up to $5,000 on donations received from noon until midnight on May 20 so they don’t have to be paid by the donor or nonprofit organization.
“We wanted to do something meaningful to support the organizations that are the lifeline of the region and need our help now more than ever,” said Standback General Contractors COO Tom Amend. “We regularly support a number of nonprofits locally, but this offered a chance to help 133 charities all at once.”
This single day of online fundraising will give nonprofits in Orange, Ulster, Dutchess, Sullivan, Putnam, Rockland, and Westchester Counties the opportunity to reach thousands of new potential donors and boost their agency’s visibility exponentially through social media and marketing. Throughout the day, a pool of cash and in-kind prizes – donated by generous event sponsors – will spur donors to support their favorite charities as part of a variety of contests. The cash prizes will be awarded directly to the nonprofits (not the donors) as incentives for them to creatively and persistently
reach new and repeat audiences to raise funds to support their missions.
About the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan (CFOS): Based in Montgomery, NY, the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan connects people who care with causes that matter. Established in 1999, the Foundation helps philanthropic individuals, businesses and organizations establish charitable funds that will award grants and scholarships, for good, forever. The Foundation has significantly increased the region’s charitable capital and has empowered donors to make a profound difference in the quality of life in our region. Since its inception, CFOS, with its donors and fund representatives, has awarded more than $15 million in grants and scholarships. The Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan currently administers 322 active charitable funds that represent more than $34 million in assets to support animal welfare, arts and culture, education, the environment, health and human services, recreation and youth. To learn more, visit cfosny.org.
