by Community Shares of Wisconsin staff
On Tuesday, March 5, Community Shares of Wisconsin and its nearly 70 member nonprofits will host The Big Share®, an online day of giving focused on social and environmental justice. Now in its tenth year, the annual campaign is themed “Make Change Happen” and aims to raise over $800,000 and engage 5,000 donors. Visit thebigshare.org for details.
“Community Shares of Wisconsin is a hub for supporting the local causes we care about most,” said Board President Bernie Hoes. “All donations help make change happen. With a minimum donation of $5, we hope to engage all individuals looking to get involved. The Big Share amplifies your donations with matches and nonprofit bonuses, making it a great tool for people who want to work for systemic change.”
It’s easy to donate to your favorite nonprofits. Visit thebigshare.org to search for nonprofits by name or by issue area. A gift to Community Shares supports all member nonprofits. Individuals who want to donate early can give any time between now and March 5.
Take your advocacy for social and environmental justice to the next level by creating your own fundraising campaign to support your favorite Community Shares member nonprofits. The fundraisers that raise the most money or secure the most donors will win extra prizes for the nonprofit they are supporting. To become a fundraiser, visit communityshares.com/peer-to-peer-page.
The Big Share Live, a day-long telethon, returns in 2024 as an in-person event at Art Lit Lab on March 5. You’re invited to join the in-person event or watch a livestream on thebigshare.org or YouTube. The Big Share Live will feature local entertainment, educational programming, and more from Community Shares’ member nonprofits. Enjoy the fun, make a donation, and help participating nonprofits win bonus cash prizes.
Follow Community Shares of Wisconsin on social media for ways to engage with the Big Share leading up to March 5, including the kickoff event featuring dueling pianos at the Ivory Room Piano Bar on March 4 at 6:00 p.m. Ticket information will be listed on thebigshare.org. Both the kickoff and the full day of events on March 5 will have a special focus on donor-led experiences, allowing donors, supporters, and nonprofits to interact, and opportunities to come together and celebrate ten years of The Big Share.
“Ten years in, we know that The Big Share is the best opportunity for the community to demonstrate its commitment to the causes we care about most including voting rights, healthy food systems, criminal justice reform, housing advocacy, environmental protection, and much more,” said Executive Director Cheri Dubiel. “Join us on March 5 to be part of this collective effort.”
Since 1971, Community Shares of Wisconsin and its members have worked together to advance social justice and protect the environment in Wisconsin. Together they envision a future where people come together to ensure every member of our community is safe, healthy, and able to thrive.
The Big Share’s principal partner is Madison Community Foundation. Media sponsors are The Cap Times, Triple MMM 105.5, and News 3 Now. Special thanks to Willy Street Co-op for their support of Community Shares of Wisconsin through the Community CHIP® program.