GoodGiving Challenge raises nearly $3M for Kentucky nonprofits

The 2021 GoodGiving Challenge has raised $2.9 million for 179 local nonprofits during the week-long online giving campaign that began on Nov. 30.

The $2.9 million figure is preliminary, so there’s a chance that number tops $3 million. Regardless, the number tops last year’s record-breaking mark of $2.4 million - a 20 percent increase.

“Raising $2.9 million in seven days through raising awareness of these 179 hard-working local nonprofits is the perfect way to end the year,” said Lauren Parsons, director of strategic initiatives and communications at Blue Grass Community Foundation. “We’re thankful for the thousands of givers who rallied in support of our nonprofits and the vital services they provide across our community.”

The GoodGiving Challenge has been raising money for nonprofits since 2011. In total, the challenge has collected $17 million.

Nonprofits from 14 Central and Appalachian Kentucky counties participated in this year’s challenge. Their specialties included health and human services, youth development and education.

“At Blue Grass Community Foundation, building greater community generosity is central to what we do,” said Lisa Adkins, President/CEO of Blue Grass Community Foundation. “The GoodGiving Challenge shows that people respond enthusiastically when you make giving simple, rewarding and fun. Of course we couldn’t do this without our funding partners, who helped us set new milestones for giving.”