by Araceli Esparza, Community Shares Communications and Marketing Director
Community Shares of Wisconsin (CSW) is so grateful to Willy Street Co-op shoppers who have been saying “Yes!” to the CHIP program for many years! By saying “Yes!” to CHIP, you are saying “Yes!” to the social and environmental justice movement.
The same nonprofits who benefit from the CHIP program also participate in The Big Share online giving day. The 6th Annual Big Share is coming up on Tuesday, March 3 giving you further opportunity to show your support and help to build the movement.
Through The Big Share, you can designate your gifts, “Share” your support online, and even help your favorite nonprofits raise additional funds by setting up your own fundraising campaigns.
To date, The Big Share has raised over $1.7 million for participating member nonprofits, as well as organizations featured through our Inspiring Voices program—black and brown led organizations outside of CSW’s membership that are working to reduce racial disparities and advance racial equity. The Big Share has encouraged thousands of people across Wisconsin to give to local organizations, many for the first time. In 2019 alone, The Big Share raised over $456,000 from 3,365 donors—exceeding previous fundraising expectations.
To commemorate the sixth anniversary of The Big Share, its organizers hope to push community giving even further by collectively raising $500,000 for participating organizations.
“We are inspired by the community’s support for The Big Share,” said CSW Executive Director, Cheri Dubiel. “We knew there was a great deal of support for social and environmental justice in our community but continue to be humbled by how much The Big Share grows every year.”
Much of the excitement of The Big Share comes through matching donations, prizes, and events leading up to The Big Share and on the day. Participating organizations develop creative, and often funny, strategies to help potential donors understand their mission and its impact.
“It’s a unique way for donors to connect to local causes and make a difference—whether that’s by making a donation or sharing an organization’s message on social media,” said Dubiel.
Building Support, Building Community
In addition to attracting new donors, The Big Share has also helped participating nonprofits deepen support and engagement within their own communities.
“The Big Share has been a game changer for GSAFE! It has helped us get creative and rethink how we engage new and existing supporters and provide them with opportunities to invest in our day-to-day work, both during The Big Share and throughout the year,” said Brian Juchems, Co-Director of GSAFE. “The enthusiasm and attention generated by the member agencies and local businesses who sign on as sponsors make for an exciting day that makes a world of difference for so many!”
Will Green agrees. As CEO/Founder of Mentoring Positives, a CSW member group, he has helped to grow our city’s afterschool options. “The Big Share is an amazing opportunity for small agencies like Mentoring Positives to learn some really good fundraising techniques.”
“Community Shares of Wisconsin sets a stage and platform for The Big Share participants to be introduced and engaged with a number of different donors and funders. Being able to expose our services to new donors and individuals is a blessing and very important for Mentoring Positives’ future. The Big Share is a lot of fun as you’re able to connect with your supporters through this one day of giving.
“A big Thank You to CSW for creating this fun and engaging way to fundraise!”
Strengthening Community Partnerships
New for the 2020 Big Share, local businesses will be able to participate as fundraisers for participating nonprofits. Community members can also support CSW’s newest Inspiring Voices groups—ConNEXTions and Padres e Hijos en Acción.
Key to the success of The Big Share is the ongoing support of longtime partners and sponsors—many of which have been involved with The Big Share from the very beginning. Most particularly, Madison Community Foundation, which has been a founding sponsor of The Big Share from its first year and has helped ensure The Big Share can continue to make an impact in the community. Recently Madison Community Foundation announced a new three-year grant to support The Big Share through 2021.
“Community Shares—and the Big Share in particular—demonstrate the value of collaboration. 70 organizations are coming together to raise money, build capacity and learn from each other—dividends that keep paying long into the future,” said Bob Sorge, president of Madison Community Foundation. “We are proud to be the Founding sponsor.”
Additional support comes from partners like the UW-Madison School of Journalism and Mass Communications, which has offered training and support. This year’s media partners are Isthmus, 105.5 Triple M Radio, and WISC-TV News 3 Now.
Individuals and area businesses wanting to learn more about ways to support The Big Share are encouraged to visit www.thebigshare.org or to call Community Shares of Wisconsin at 608-256-1066.
About Community Shares of Wisconsin
Since 1971, Community Shares of Wisconsin and its members have worked together to advance social justice, protect the environment, and defend civil rights in Dane County and across Wisconsin. Together they envision a future where people come together to ensure every member of their community is safe, healthy, and able to thrive. More at: www.communityshares.com.