MANSFIELD — The Richland County Foundation’s third annual day of giving takes place on Nov. 28. Richland Gives encourages community members to give to their favorite nonprofits through this online giving platform. The effort empowers nonprofit leaders to communicate the impact of their programs and services on the community.

In 2016 Friendly House raised $8,335, the most of nonprofits with a budget over $250K. Little Buckeye Children’s Museum led in donations among small nonprofits with a total of $10,139.

Friendly House Executive Director Terry Conard appreciates Richland Gives because donors learn about all of the nonprofits throughout the county, instead of just their favorites. Individual nonprofits then gain exposure and attract new supporters.

“It gives us more coverage for people to see us on the Richland Gives website,” Conard said. “It expands our donor base.”

Richland Gives helped Friendly House engage alumni of their after-school and camping programs who are just starting their careers. These young professionals donated because of the impact Friendly House had on their lives. Board members also play an active role in giving and recruiting new donors as well.

“It has been a great support for Friendly House for two years,” Conard said. “I look forward to doing it again this year.”

Little Buckeye Executive Director Fred Boll said the initiative helps him rally his donor base and employees around their mission “to provide children and families opportunities to learn and discover through the power of play.”

“It allows us to broadcast our mission to a broader audience,” Boll said. “We can get people enthusiastic. It’s very nice that the Richland County Foundation provides us a way to engage our donors in active communication.”

The Richland County Foundation encourages registered 501(c)3 organizations to creatively communicate their mission and vision through the Razoo giving platform. Donors have made it possible for additional grants to be awarded to nonprofits based on the most money raised overall, the most money raised during Golden Ticket Hours, and the money raised compared 2016 totals.

These incentives spark friendly competition among the nonprofits. 

“We watch the leaderboard to see who is going to win,” Conard said. “We push for money to come in during the last hour. They whole community enjoys that day.”

Though the contests and matching grants apply to funds raised from Nov. 1 to 28, some nonprofits, including Little Buckeye, save money by using the free platform year round.

“Having that ability to raise money throughout the year is crucial,” Boll said. “We direct donors to the platform through our newsletter and through articles we put on Facebook.”

The funds raised through Richland Gives made a significant impact on the community.

Little Buckeye invested part of its 2016 donations into a new LEGO exhibit as well as a bank and fire station exhibit. A portion of the funds provided reduced-rate museum memberships to 160 qualifying families through the Helping Hands program. Boll was also able to fund a feasibility study for a potential upcoming capital campaign.

Friendly House’s after school program is at maximum capacity with 130 children. The donated funds helped Conard to purchase new supplies and curriculum.

“Our goal is to provide a safe educational place to go after school,” Conard said. “We serve nutritious hot meals. We provide homework help and tutoring and a whole list of activities including sports, arts and crafts, game tables, swimming and tutoring. It’s a positive place and helps kids stay off the streets.”

The nonprofit leaders appreciate the live events taking place on Nov. 28 as well.

“Besides just asking a donor to give online, I can also invite them to an active event,” Boll said. “We can do friendraising as well as fundraising.”

The Richland County Foundation will host two free community events on Nov. 28. The first event takes place on the North Central State College/Ohio State University at Mansfield campus at noon, and the second will happen at the Phoenix Brewing Company from 5 to 7 p.m.

As a way to give back to the community, Little Buckeye will waive admission fees on Nov. 28

Boll is encouraged by the growth of Richland Gives each year.

“The Richland County Foundation provides a day for you as donors to see all the opportunity to help impact lives in Richland County,” Boll said. “hat is the beauty of Richland Gives.”

Conard’s encourages residents to give on Nov. 28.

“Do something good for Richland County as a whole,” he said. “There are so many good agencies and nonprofits that do great work. Think about giving a little more this year.”

The Foundation hosts the day to help nonprofits grow, encourage philanthropy and make the community stronger.

“The success of the event will depend on our collective enthusiasm and implementation,” Richland County Foundation President Brady Groves said.

Learn more and get ready to give at RichlandGives.org.