Hey, Cola, Miranda here. One of the best things about living in Columbia is the sense of community. As Soda Citizens, it seems like we always come together for a greater cause.

That’s what Midlands Gives is all about – small, collective ways of making a big impact for nonprofits in 11 S.C. counties – which explains why a record number of nonprofits (415) are participating in this year’s campaign next Tuesday, May 7.

In its sixth year, Midlands Gives is an 18-hour online giving event run by Central Carolina Community Foundation (CCCF), raising money for nonprofits across our region. It gives everyday people an opportunity to be a philanthropist for a day – especially since the minimum donation is only $20. (Think about it: What if you + all your coworkers each gave $20 to your favorite nonprofit? That could go a long way.)

Here’s some of the impact its had on our community:

Last year, Midlands Gives raised $1,756,332 for 372 organizations in one day.
Since its inception in 2014, it’s raised $7,280,500 total for local nonprofits.
39% of 2018 donors gave to a nonprofit for the first time.
There’s $149,500 available in prizes for nonprofits over the course of the day on May 7.

Midlands Gives officially starts on Tues., May 7 at 6 a.m. on MidlandsGives.org, but you can begin giving as soon as today through their new scheduled giving feature. More giving deets:

3 ways to give in 2019:

Scheduled giving | Busy day on May 7? Schedule your donation online here.
Day-of giving | Give online on May 7. It’s easy, just like online shopping. Look out for:
- ⌛Power Hours + Prizes | Sponsors are throwing in extra money for certain time periods or random gifts – check them out here.
- 🏆 Champion Pages | Similar to birthday donation campaigns on Facebook, locals can create Champion Pages online (by May 5) to support their favorite nonprofits. Check out these Champion Pages for inspo.
Recurring donations | New for 2019, set up a monthly or quarterly donation online on May 7 to support your favorite nonprofits throughout the year.

If you’re not used to giving online, don’t let the fees stop you. Fees are 4.9% (2.1% credit card fee + 2.8% technology fee), but donors can cover fees so nonprofits receive 100% of your gift. Last year, 71% of fees were covered by donors. CCCF does not receive any portion of the donations. They, along with their sponsors and partners, cover all Midlands Gives costs like staff, advertising, media promotion + nonprofit training. You could say it’s their own way of giving back. Ⓟ