On Tuesday, March 7, Community Shares of Wisconsin and its nearly 70 nonprofit members will host The Big Share®, an online day of giving focused on social and environmental justice. Now in its ninth year, the annual campaign is themed “Make Change Happen” and aims to raise over $650,000 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 and fun to donate to your favorite groups. Visit thebigshare.org to search for groups by name or by issue area. Donate to one or many of your favorite groups. A gift to Community Shares supports all groups. Individuals who want to donate early can give any time between now and March 7.
Take your advocacy for social and environmental justice to the next level by creating your own campaign to build support for the organizations and causes you care about. Individuals in the community can create peer-to peer fundraising campaigns for their 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 see if peer-to-peer fundraising is for you, visit thebigshare.org.
The Big Share Live, a day-long telethon, returns in 2023. The March 7 online event will feature local entertainment and information from Community Shares’ member nonprofits. The Big Share Live will broadcast on thebigshare.org and on YouTube so you can follow along with the fun and help participating charities win cash prizes donated by local businesses and individuals.
Follow Community Shares of Wisconsin on social media for ways to engage with The Big Share throughout the community and leading up to the event, including a kickoff and Power Hour at 6:00pm on Monday, March 6. Both the kickoff and the full day of events on March 7 will have a special focus on virtual and donor-led experiences, allowing donors, supporters, and nonprofits to interact online.
If your local business is looking for a way to get involved, you can set up a business fundraising page. Your business fundraising page can be promoted among employees and to the public on your business social media accounts.
“Now is a key time to support the nonprofits working for equality and systemic change,” said Executive Director Cheri Dubiel. “The last three years have both demonstrated and exacerbated the need for change. Our member groups work to improve life and create a just place for all. The Big Share gives every donor, large or small, an opportunity to empower these groups and make change happen.”
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 their 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.