How it Works

First, the Community Foundation solicits contributions from donors called Community Challengers, Friends of the Match and Community Ambassadors to fund a match pool. Community Challengers donate at four levels: Silver ($10,000), Bronze ($25,000), Gold ($35,000) and Tin ($50,000).  Friends of the Match contribution levels start at $2,500.  Ambassadors contribute at levels below $2,500.

Second, qualified local nonprofit organizations raise money from donors. Gifts are made to the Community Foundation by a donor on behalf of a local charity or charities. Nonprofits can raise as much money as they wish, of which the Community Foundation matches the first $25,000. They still receive 100% of donor contributions in excess of $25,000, but that money is not matched.

When the last contribution is tallied, we start calculating the match percentage. From the total match money raised, we expect to subtract a small percentage to distribute to local nonprofits through a twice-annual competitive grants process.

Finally, we compare the remaining matching funds to all eligible contributions made on behalf of local nonprofits. The ratio of matching funds to donor contributions provides the match percentage. The match is added to all funds raised by each participating nonprofit allowing the donor's contribution to make an even larger impact!