Minnesota Generous

GiveMN’s third annual Give to the Max Day challenges residents to support Minnesota nonprofits

More than $24 million has been raised during Give to the Max Day's first two years.

Image credit: Courtesy givemn.org

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Let’s face it: we’ve all spent $10 in questionable ways at one time or another (or multiple times for some of us). This Wednesday, Give to the Max Day makes your Alexander Hamilton (or Benjamin Franklin) go a whole lot further.

Celebrating its third year, the one-day fundraising campaign organized by GiveMN.org gives residents the chance to donate to one of more than 25,000 charities across Minnesota.

In its first year, donors contributed more than $14 million – making it the most successful place-based online fundraising drive in history. Last year, more than 42,000 people contributed around $10 million.

Looking to build on that total, this years’ Give to the Max Day will include a bit of a competition: the three top money-raising nonprofits will receive grants of $15,000, $10,000 or $7,500. Grants of $5,000 will be given to nonprofits that round out the top ten.

Small nonprofit organizations – those with budgets under $750,000 – will compete separately for grants.

Random acts of giving will also occur on the hour every hour during the course of the day. The “Golden Tickets” will be $1,000 grants with one $10,000 “Grand Golden Ticket” at the end of the day.

And what, you might ask, is it in for you?

It sounds selfish (and it kind of is), but as much as giving can make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside, parting with your hard-earned cash isn’t easy, especially these days. The participating nonprofits know it, and a lot of them are recognizing that sacrifice.

For one, Coffee House Press will enter your name into a drawing to win an iPad (filled with Coffee House Books) for every $10 you donate.

Huge Improv Theater will be hosting an Improv-a-Thon on Wednesday with a party on Tuesday night. More than 80 local improvisers will occupy the 24 hours with spontaneous and unrehearsed comedy theater. Admission is pay-what-you-can (but the minimum donation across the board is $10) with incentives for both improvisers and audience members.

So reach as deep into your pocket as you can and have fun while you’re at it, too.

+ Search charities participating in Give to the Max Day and learn more about how the online fundraiser works at givemn.razoo.com.