NORWALK, CT., Feb. 25, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Fairfield County's Giving Day provided a timely fundraising boost for more than 400 local nonprofits, raising $2.2 million during the 24-hour online giving event.
Nearly 12,800 donors rallied to make 17,348 gifts on February 24. The annual event has now raised a total of $13.75 million since 2014.
“In a year when local nonprofits have seen an unprecedented increase in needs due to the ongoing pandemic, Fairfield County residents have come together to raise critical money for these organizations and the people they support,” Fairfield County’s Community Foundation President and CEO Juanita James said. “Once again, Giving Day has shown the immense depth and breadth of generosity, kindness, and compassion that permeates our entire community.”
Fairfield County’s Giving Day was also backed by the local business community, including the generous support by its Champion Sponsor Bank of America.
“Each year, Bank of America witnesses the great power of generosity coming from the people of Fairfield County who donate on Giving Day,” said Bill Tommins, President, Bank of America Southern Connecticut. “Our support of Giving Day has continuously demonstrated that when businesses and community members come together in support of a common cause, the positive impact amplifies and uplifts our nonprofits and our communities.”
Participating nonprofits included both returning and new local organizations, spanning a variety of causes and needs — from food insecurity and housing to arts and animal welfare.
Utilizing the sponsorship funds received, The Community Foundation was able to spread its generosity even further by awarding more than $100,000 through dozens of bonus prizes to participating organizations:
- Nonprofit Grand Prize: Most Unique Donors (first place): LifeBridge Community Services
- Nonprofit Grand Prize: Most Unique Donors (second place): WestConn Athletics & Recreation
- Nonprofit Grand Prize: Most Dollars Raised (first place): Curtain Call, Inc.
- Nonprofit Grand Prize: Most Dollars Raised (second place): The Greater Fairfield County Foundation, Inc. (not affiliated with Fairfield County’s Community Foundation)
- Rookie of the Year (awarded to the first-time Giving Day participant with the most unique donors): The Mary and Eliza Freeman Center for History and Community
Additional prizes were also awarded to participating nonprofits and can be viewed here.
“Giving Day is the moment of impact for our local community to seize,” said James. “As the nonprofit community continues to face the ever-evolving challenges during an unprecedented time, the donors of Fairfield County – individuals, families, and businesses – came together to uplift and support these organizations. This is the true essence of Giving Day.”
Fairfield County’s Giving Day would not have been possible without the generous sponsorship support from the local business community: Champion Sponsor Bank of America; County Sponsor Hearst Connecticut Media Group; Premiere Regional Magazine Sponsor Moffly Media; Neighborhood Sponsors The Jeniam Foundation, Optimum, and the Back to You Fund at FCCF; Power Hour Sponsors KeyBank, TargetonStar, Fairfield County’s Center for Housing Opportunity, the Fund for Women & Girls at FCCF, and the Immigrant Success Fund at FCCF; Town Square Sponsors Webster Private Bank and Band Central; and Media Sponsors 95.9 The Fox, Star 99.9, WEBE108, WICC, and The Two Oh Three.
About Fairfield County’s Community Foundation
Fairfield County’s Community Foundation promotes philanthropy as a means to create change in Fairfield County, focusing on innovative and collaborative solutions to critical issues impacting the community. Individuals, families, corporations and organizations can establish charitable funds or contribute to existing funds. The Community Foundation is in compliance with the Council on Foundations’ national standards and has awarded over $337.5 million in grants to nonprofits in Fairfield County and beyond since 1992. As a trusted nonprofit partner and thought leader, the organization brings together nonprofits, business experts, and philanthropists to close the opportunity gap in Fairfield County with a focus on eliminating disparities in education, employment, housing, and health. Our goal is to create a vital and inclusive community, where every individual has the opportunity to thrive. Learn more at FCCFoundation.org. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.
About Bank of America
At Bank of America, we’re guided by a common purpose to help make financial lives better, through the power of every connection. We’re delivering on this through responsible growth with a focus on our environmental, social and governance (ESG) leadership. ESG is embedded across our eight lines of business and reflects how we help fuel the global economy, build trust and credibility, and represent a company that people want to work for, invest in and do business with. It’s demonstrated in the inclusive and supportive workplace we create for our employees, the responsible products and services we offer our clients, and the impact we make around the world in helping local economies thrive. An important part of this work is forming strong partnerships with nonprofits and advocacy groups, such as community, consumer and environmental organizations, to bring together our collective networks and expertise to achieve greater impact. Learn more at about.bankofamerica.com, and connect with us on Twitter (@BofA_News).
For more Bank of America news, including dividend announcements and other important information, visit the Bank of America newsroom and register for news email alerts.
Media questions may be directed to:
Lauren Stewart | lauren@turn-two.co | (804) 690-9966
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