Donor funds online giving challenge

Beginning Monday through Aug. 13, five lakes area nonprofits can earn $25,000 to match online donations.

An Initiative Foundation philanthropist wants to create a ripple effect in the lakes area.

In what the foundation is calling the Ripple Effects Giving Challenge, an anonymous donor is putting up $25,000 in challenge funds to five nonprofit organizations that he or she believes are meeting critical needs in the community.

The nonprofits are Bridges of Hope, Kinship Partners, Lakes Area Habitat for Humanity, Salem WEST and The Salvation Army. Each can earn up to $5,000 in matching donations. The foundation is offering another $1,000 for the organization that finishes the challenge with the most individual donors.

"We are helping this very generous, visionary person say thank you to five nonprofits that have helped local people through some tough times in the last few years," said Kathy Gaalswyk, Initiative Foundation president. "The family wants to remain anonymous because they want the attention on the nonprofits and not on themselves. They want to see if their gift can inspire others."

There's just one catch, the foundation reported.

In order to be counted toward the match, donations must be made online between 8 a.m., Monday and 4 p.m. Aug. 13. Donors may participate and follow the challenge in real time at www.givemn.org/ripples and 100 percent of all online gifts will go to the nonprofits.

"We're doing this online because it's cheaper and easier for the donors and the nonprofits," Matt Kilian, Initiative Foundation director of communications, said in a news release. "When nonprofits don't have to mail fundraising letters and people don't have to mail checks, more of the donation goes to where it actually makes a difference."

GiveMN.org is a nonprofit online giving portal that allows donors to search for, connect with, and share charitable causes that inspire them. When the website launched last November, its Give to the Max Day promotion set Minnesota online fundraising records with more than $14 million raised in 24 hours.

The Brainerd Dispatch, BL Broadcasting, Brainerd Lakes Chamber and Range Printing have also contributed advertising and other promotional support to the challenge.

"Our goal is to ensure that everyone reaches their $5,000 goal," Kilian said. "For those with family or friends who have been touched by these nonprofits, this is a great opportunity to double your generosity."