Give Methow has raised $801,947 for 40 Methow Valley nonprofits – a record-breaking amount for the annual campaign hosted by the Community Foundation of North Central Washington.

Give Methow is an online fundraising campaign to support Methow Valley nonprofits throughout the month of October. Any 501c3 nonprofit or fiscally sponsored organization located within the Methow Valley in good standing is eligible to participate. A minimum donation of just $10 enables more community members to be philanthropists. Because the Community Foundation covers all the credit card fees not paid by donors, 100% of the donations go directly to the nonprofits.

Donations to the “Give to All” pool provided a substantial stretch gift for each organization. An anonymous donor provided a $30,000 matching gift for Give to All, and a $50,000 challenge gift was offered when the campaign reached $350,000. These along with additional gifts grew the pool to a total of $113,520 which was shared equally among all participating organizations. “The matching gift has been provided each year since Give Methow began to ensure every organization was supported,” said Betsy Cushman, the foundation’s Board of Trustees Chair and Methow Valley Fund Advisor. “The challenge match came from a Methow Valley Fund bequest donor who wanted to support the campaign in a significant way. We are so grateful for those who are so generous and willing to try new and different ways to promote and encourage local philanthropy.”

As they prepared for the campaign, the nonprofits gathered to discuss promote their organizations. Their focus was on working together and lifting each other up to ensure everyone was able to benefit. “The collaboration between the nonprofits was amazing,” said Cushman. “They demonstrated how our nonprofits depend upon each other and are equally important for a sustainable and thriving Methow Valley. That message spoke volumes about the integrity of their collective work in our community.”

One of the most fun aspects of the Give Methow campaign is Funday Monday – each time a donation is made on a Monday, the donor’s name is entered to win $500 to use on Give Methow any way they choose. This year, thanks to extra funding from the Community Foundation, 3 winners were drawn each week and on the last day over $175,000 was raised.

Since 2015, Give Methow has raised $3.1Million for local nonprofits.