WASHINGTON, Oct. 3, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- GuideStar, the leading source of nonprofit information, and KIMBIA, a group that empowers nonprofits and other organizations to increase giving, are awarding $5,000 to the 501(c)3 public charity or 501(c)3 private operating foundation that holds the GuideStar Exchange Seal and receives the most donations through its profile page on the GuideStar website during the last two months of 2011, known in the sector as the "giving season." Since many charitable organizations receive a large portion of donations at the end of the year, GuideStar and KIMBIA are using this period as an opportunity to encourage nonprofits to be transparent about their inner workings, and philanthropic donors to do their research before making a charitable gift this year. The contest is available to 501(c)3 public charities and 501(c)3 private operating foundations. Please note that unfortunately (c)(3) private nonoperating foundations are not eligible for the contest.
"The giving season is the most popular time for people to donate to nonprofits that represent the causes they care about," said José Fernández, director of the GuideStar Exchange. "Yet we know that charitable giving is incredibly tough in this down economy, so every dollar has to work harder than ever. This giveaway urges nonprofits to demonstrate how they are fulfilling their missions by sharing their full stories via the GuideStar Exchange. Having this information makes all the difference to people trying to determine which charitable organizations deserve their hard-earned dollars. Similarly, individuals know that the GuideStar Exchange Seal is synonymous with transparency, so they can make more informed and confident donation decisions when giving to Seal holders."
To participate, a charity or private operating foundation must complete three tasks:
- Be a GuideStar Exchange Seal holder by November 15.
- Register for the contest: http://guidestar.vovici.net/wsb.dll/s/1g340fd
- Get the most donations through its profile page on GuideStar between November 1 and December 31, 2011. (Note: Only contributions made after an organization has become a Seal holder will count for the contest.) http://www2.guidestar.org/rxg/update-nonprofit-report/2011-giving-season-giveaway.aspx
The $5,000 award is furnished by KIMBIA, and the contest will run from November 1 through December 31, 2011.
"KIMBIA believes that giving is more than just a transaction, it is the beginning of a relationship. That's why our mission is to make tools that enable nonprofits to connect with donors wherever they are," said Thon Morse, KIMBIA's president and founder. "We are proud to partner with GuideStar and we hope this contest inspires many new and lasting connections."
Any charity or private operating foundation that wishes to participate in the contest is encouraged to use the month of October to make sure that its profile on GuideStar has everything that is required to receive the GuideStar Exchange Seal. Nonprofits that register for the giveaway will receive a marketing tool kit with helpful tips for getting the word about the contest out to donors, board members, volunteers, clients, and other stakeholders. The donation page is powered by KIMBIA, and donations are processed by Network for Good, a Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance accredited nonprofit 501(c)(3) donor-advised fund. Network for Good re-grants donated funds to the organizations donors designate.
For all of the contest details, please visit: http://www2.guidestar.org/rxg/update-nonprofit-report/2011-giving-season-giveaway.aspx.
Official Rules of the GuideStar-KIMBIA Giving Season Giveaway
Only United States 501(c)(3) public charities or private operating foundations ("Organization") that are GuideStar Exchange Seal Holders are eligible to enter the GuideStar Giveaway Season Contest ("Contest"). Note: 501(c)(3) private nonoperating foundations are not eligible to enter the contest.
Test your Organization's fundraising skills by entering this Contest and securing donations through the donation widget on the Organization's GuideStar Exchange profile page. Although one individual at any Organization will submit the entry on behalf of the Organization, individuals are not eligible to enter or win the Contest. No purchase necessary to enter.
Each individual entering the Contest on behalf of an Organization represents and agrees that he or she is authorized to enter the Contest on behalf of the Organization, the Organization is a U.S. 501(c)(3) public charity or private operating foundation and a GuideStar Exchange Seal Holder at the time of entry, the individual on behalf of the Organization has read and understands these rules, has the authority to bind the Organization and he or she and the Organization agree to be bound by the Official Rules in all respects.
Click here for the rest of the official rules: http://www2.guidestar.org/rxg/update-nonprofit-report/2011-giving-season-giveaway-official-rules.aspx.
About the GuideStar Exchange
The GuideStar Exchange is an initiative designed to connect nonprofits with current and potential supporters. With millions of people coming to GuideStar to learn more about nonprofit organizations, the GuideStar Exchange allows nonprofits to showcase their full stories – not just Forms 990 but also photos, videos, additional documentation, and more – with prospective donors.
Many foundations now require applicants to have an updated GuideStar profile before considering a grant. With the number of charities growing each month, each nonprofit organization must promote its work as broadly as possible. Through the GuideStar Exchange, each nonprofit can enhance its marketing program for free by sharing its online profile, telling its whole story – mission, programs, financials – all in one place.
About KIMBIA
KIMBIA, www.kimbia.com, gives cause organizations the power to improve and optimize their existing online fundraising and event efforts. Their platform and their people help nonprofits create the best solutions for their best intentions. Every day, thousands of cause organizations use the KIMBIA platform and services to collect funds, register participants, and motivate advocates, anywhere online.
About GuideStar
GuideStar, www.guidestar.org, connects people and organizations with information on the programs and finances of more than 1.8 million IRS-recognized nonprofits. GuideStar serves a wide audience inside and outside the nonprofit sector, including individual donors, nonprofit leaders, grantmakers, government officials, academic researchers, and the media.
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The following files are available for download:
| wkr0005.pdf | |
| [Image] | GuideStar Exchange Seal |