Fundraising, Philanthropy
PR Newswire | January 04, 2024
Colossal Management, a pioneering force in changing the landscape of fundraising through online competitions, announces the allocation of over $23 million in donation funds raised in 2023. Colossal's unique approach to fundraising benefits both charities and competitors, bringing together communities to support important causes. Through various competitions, Colossal has successfully raised substantial amounts, and the funds are now being directed toward impactful initiatives. All donations raised from associated votes cast during a Colossal competition go directly to DTCare, a 501(c)(3) charity, which subsequently grants the donations to a designated nonprofit at the end of the competition.
The following are standout examples of the impact a Colossal competition can make.
Favorite Chef
Benefiting James Beard Foundation (JBF)
Guest Appearance: Carla Hall
2023 grant amount: over $4.7 million
The grant enables JBF to:
Dedicate extra resources to advocacy around the Farm Bill, a major piece of federal legislation.
Add another WEL (Women's Entrepreneurial Leadership) cohort to their planned programming.
Produce a new series of toolkits for the virtual resource library to support culinary entrepreneurs.
Expand JBF Leadership Workshops across the country.
Develop a series of Advocacy Meetups and mini-training refreshers to bring chefs and other culinary workers together to collaborate on key advocacy issues (sustainability, farming practices, SNAP access, healthier school lunches, etc.).
Invest in a new Sustainability Certificate program that would incentivize independent restaurants to build more robust, sustainable infrastructures.
Help support chefs in residence at Platform by JBF, the new culinary performance and dining space at Pier 57 in New York City.
"We are absolutely delighted to see how Colossal competitions bring so many people together around food, and we are deeply grateful that this initiative will benefit the Foundation's efforts to champion a standard of good food anchored in talent, equity, and sustainability." –Clare Reichenbach, CEO of the James Beard Foundation
Super Mom
Benefiting Children's Miracle Network Hospitals (CMNH)
2023 donation amount: over $2.6 million
The Super Mom campaign was the largest first-year donation they've received to date, according to Frances Fu, Chief Financial and Strategy Officer of CMNH. For every $1 raised through underwriting, CMNH turns it into $8 in donations for children's hospitals to, in turn, use where they're needed most.
The grant enables CMNH to:
Help provide charitable care.
Support research & treatments.
Provide education.
Provide advancement services.
Contribute to patient services.
Improve life-saving equipment.
"The Colossal team is amazing at building online communities through their competitions that have made an unprecedented impact for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals! Their expertise and passion for fundraising and our mission are second to none." –Todd Fisher, Sr. Director of Business Development
Fab Over 40
Benefiting National Breast Cancer Foundation
Guest Appearance: Dolores Catania
2022 donation amount: over $8.2 million
The associated grant, generously presented to NBCF by Colossal's dedicated partner, DTCare, enabled the foundation to channel resources into critical programs and services, encompassing education, detection, navigation, and inspiration for individuals battling breast cancer and their loved ones.
The grant enabled NBCF to:
Navigate support for 51,047 patients.
Provide breast health education for 16,137 women.
Give 9,771 mammograms.
Make and distribute 6,745 HOPE Kits.
Provide outreach to 1,721 women through community programs.
"Colossal has helped us provide education, early detection, and support services to thousands of women affected by breast cancer over the last two years through the Fab Over 40 Competition. We are truly grateful for their generosity." –Candice Hensley, Sr. Manager of Strategic Partnerships, NBCF
Tony Hawk's Skatepark Hero
Benefiting The Skatepark Project
Guest appearance: Tony Hawk
2023 donation amount: $768,498.50
The grant enables The Skatepark Project to:
Help build new skateparks while also funding the nearly 700 public skateparks in underserved communities across all 50 states.
Increase access to outdoor recreation and free play through the creation of safe and inclusive community skateparks.
Support 'Supply the Ride,' a program dedicated to breaking down barriers and promoting accessibility by providing skateboards, helmets, and pads to youth in under-resourced communities.
Support the 'Fellowship' program, which works to guide the next generation of BIPOC skate advocates on how to create public skateparks in their own communities.
"The Skatepark Hero Competition is a celebration of the spirit and talent that drive skateboarding and will shape the future of this incredible sport!" –Tony Hawk
America's Favorite Pet
Benefiting Progressive Animal Welfare Society (PAWS)
2023 grant amount: over $3.2 million
Colossal raised an impressive $3.2 million through the 2023 America's Favorite Pet (AFP) Competition and was presented the prestigious inaugural Colossal Kindness Award at PAWS' 56th annual Wild Night gala.
The grant enables PAWS to:
Extend reach to areas affected by natural disasters.
160 animals from California saved during extreme flooding.
130 animals saved from New Orleans.
Many animals rescued after the Maui fires.
Complete Snohomish Wildlife Center built on a secluded 25-acre site to rehabilitate wildlife.
Enhance PAWS' professional training programs.
Broaden its community outreach initiatives.
Create new educational programs tailored to underserved youth to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of animal welfare.
Offer low-cost spay and neuter surgeries to address the critical issue of pet overpopulation.
"This generous contribution has catalyzed PAWS' efforts to provide comprehensive care for thousands of cats and dogs. Many of these animals have been rescued from overcrowded shelters where euthanasia was imminent. Because of this generous grant, PAWS can provide safe shelter to animals like Odette, a senior dog with medical needs. Thanks to Colossal and DTCare, Odette was recently adopted into a loving home where her new family appreciates her calm nature and graying muzzle." –Heidi Wills Yamada, PAWS CEO
In 2024, Colossal continues to offer extraordinary experiences for competitors in a variety of fundraising campaigns, all in the name of charity. Past winners include the first-ever Super Mom, London Reber; the Skatepark Hero, Michael Manion; and the 2023 Favorite Chef, Karen Jenkins. Who's Next?
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Fundraising, Nonprofit Technology
PR Newswire | January 11, 2024
Bloomerang, the complete donor and volunteer relationship management platform for thousands of small and medium-sized nonprofits, today announced that they acquired Qgiv, a leading provider of fundraising technology solutions. This strategic acquisition accelerates Bloomerang's vision to build the giving platform of the future.
Nonprofits currently face a shifting donor landscape, dwindling donations, disconnected technologies, and increasingly limited resources–making it difficult to engage supporters and deliver better outcomes. The addition of Qgiv's best-in-class fundraising solution to Bloomerang's leading donor and volunteer relationship management platform will accelerate nonprofits' ability to raise more money and improve fundraising outcomes through stronger relationships with supporters.
"Both Qgiv and Bloomerang are top-rated solutions that lead the market in addressing some of the common challenges that nonprofits face today–raising funds, finding new donors, and cultivating existing donors," says Dennis Fois, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Bloomerang. "Together we can deliver an expanded solution that exceeds the needs of the nonprofit sector–intuitive, easy-to-use donor management, volunteer management, and deep fundraising capabilities–in a single place. By bringing together the best of fundraising and donor relationship management, we can help nonprofits maximize the full potential of their donor communities and ultimately raise more donations, time, and support."
"The integration between Qgiv and Bloomerang is wonderful," said Maggie Mestrich, Director of Business Development at Carmel Swim Club. "It eliminates duplicate tasks, makes our stewardship more seamless, and helps our organization work more efficiently."
Since 2020, fundraising software has seen a big shift in importance for nonprofits. Together, Bloomerang and Qgiv fill a need in the market to accelerate innovations in donor engagement and help nonprofits realize their full potential. The combined solution will provide numerous benefits for nonprofit organizations:
Increase fundraising revenue: Uncover high-performing campaigns and strategies to maximize giving potential and improve fundraising outcomes through the unification of data, people, and tools in one place.
Enable deeper relationships: Automated constituent insights allow for personalized engagement and deeper relationship-building with supporters.
Employ dynamic fundraising: Automatically tap into supporters' strengths and passions in order to maximize their gifts–whether it's time, dollars, or talent.
Save administrative time: Automate repetitive tasks, spend less time on data entry, and access a wider range of solutions, more support, and additional educational resources.
Achieve better outcomes: Deepen supporter engagement to generate long-term giving relationships and more funds raised.
"For 15 years our focus at Qgiv has been providing best-in-class fundraising technology to help nonprofit teams raise more in support of their missions," says Todd Baylis, Qgiv CEO. "By adding Qgiv's end-to-end fundraising solution to Bloomerang's leading donor relationship management platform, we can help nonprofits raise more by supporting the entire donor journey. We recognize that our technologies, people, and skills complement each other, and we have a tremendous opportunity to build the sector's first and most efficient giving platform."
Bloomerang's long-standing integration with Qgiv is available today with plans for more enhancements in 2024 and builds on a continued phase of exciting growth for the company. In 2023, the company launched Bloomerang Volunteer following the acquisition of volunteer management software. The company also released several product updates and enhancements including a refreshed self-serve Donor Portal, dynamic segmentation with its Groups functionality, contactless payment options with Tap to Pay, and a variety of new reports and dashboard updates to support more than 16,000 nonprofit organizations.
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Nonprofit Management, Nonprofit Technology, Social Movements and Community
PR News | January 31, 2024
AnitaB.org has launched a distinctive opportunity aimed at fostering the advancement and success of women and non-binary leaders in technology: AnitaB.org Peer Groups for Executives (APG). Designed specifically for current and aspiring CEOs, the inaugural executive program extends beyond traditional professional development offerings. It's one of many ways the organization is furthering its mission of creating a more diverse and equitable tech ecosystem.
AnitaB.org is honored to facilitate the inaugural executive peer groups," said Brenda Darden Wilkerson, President and CEO of AnitaB.org. "I have personally participated in a CEO peer group, and the experience was transformational. I gained hard skills, confidence, and an expanded network. I think about how much more powerful it would have been if the group was curated to women leaders in tech, with the open space to explore how intersectional identities create additional challenges to leadership, especially in a changing tech environment. We created AnitaB.org Peer Groups for Executives for just this reason.
Data indicates that a big factor holding women back from moving into the most senior positions is a lack of confidence and training. Peer groups are a proven and powerful tool for advancement but are often imbalanced with men seeking participation more than women. APG for Executives is a new and unique opportunity specifically for executive women in tech who seek advancement and access to connection, support, and a proven curriculum for success in the C-Suite. With only 11% of tech CEO and senior-level leadership positions being held by women, if the gender imbalance continues in CEO-level trainings, this gap in representation in the industry will continue. This is important because when more women ascend to executive positions, organizations hire more equitably across intersectional gender identities — another key goal of the program.
To promote a safe and empowering learning environment where women and non-binary technologists are seen and heard, the program features thoughtfully curated peer groups, consisting of 8-12 members each, led by an expert group chair. The selection and vetting process reinforces the integrity of the program, ensuring that participants are qualified, committed to engagement, and bring diverse perspectives and experiences. This intentional approach is the foundation for building a vibrant and inclusive APG community where members can participate in meaningful discussions, exchange ideas, and benefit from the collective wisdom of their peers.
The program will kick off with a two-day, world-class, CEO-level training at an idyllic 150-acre ranch and retreat near Austin, Texas. Designed as an immersive experience, the retreat will delve into the unique challenges women and non-binary tech executives face, seamlessly progressing into conversations on the practical leadership tools needed to succeed in the high-pressure CEO position. Post-retreat, the program continues with monthly virtual and quarterly in-person group sessions for a year, fostering a continuous environment for executive-level learning, collaborative problem-solving, and strategic decision-making. Each participant will also gain exclusive access to one-on-one monthly coaching sessions with Angela Tucci, a longtime tech executive serving as the inaugural APG Leader.
Tucci added, "Throughout my career as a C-Suite executive in tech, I have navigated and understand the challenges women in the industry often face in such roles. It requires specific skill sets and resilience to succeed, and that's what APG will offer. It's important for me to foster and support the upcoming community of women executives who will shape our tech ecosystem for the future.
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Fundraising, Nonprofit Management
PR News | January 30, 2024
In partnership with Thompson Child & Family Focus (Thompson), Charlotte Community Health Clinic (CCHC) announces the January 30, 2024 grand opening of the Dave Cathcart Pediatric Clinic, named after the long-serving volunteer and Board member who passed away in 2022. The clinic will offer comprehensive pediatric care, including well and sick child visits, acute care services, dental services, immunizations, and behavioral health integration.
With this new location at the Dave Cathcart Pediatric Clinic, we uphold our vision of a healthy community where all individuals, regardless of their ability to pay, have access to comprehensive, coordinated, affordable, and quality health care," said CCHC CEO Carolyn Allison.
This new CCHC location is the result of a convergence of three main factors – the people, the place, and the project funding. Initially, the introduction of CEOs led to a relationship between the two agencies who serve similar populations of youth and families receiving Medicaid or are under-insured. Then came the discussion of the existing Thompson location in Grier Heights that could accommodate the clinic space needed and fill an unmet need for pediatric care in the area. Finally, CCHC received Health Resources and Services Administration funding focused on capital projects for community health centers – the investment needed to renovate and upfit the space donated by Thompson.When CCHC approached us to collaborate – we could foresee the benefits this partnership would bring to the youth in this community. Integrating physical health care services to our main hub for community mental health services is a triple win, stated Thompson President/CEO Will Jones. "It's a win for those we serve who need physical health care, a win for CCHC's patients who need mental health care, and a win for the Thompson mission to strengthen children, families, and communities.
The Dave Cathcart Pediatric Clinic is located at 769 N. Wendover Road, Suite A, Charlotte, NC 28211.
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