The Giving Challenge raised in excess of $2.6 million before midnight, and will still be raising funds until noon today, making it likely the Challenge will result in more donations than the event did in May 2014. Donations raised through the Challenge go to the 449 nonprofits participating in four Southwest Florida counties during what has become the most high-profile giving event in the region for the year.

The Challenge on Tuesday got off to a strong start, with more than $900,000 being raised in the first hour after the event began at noon Tuesday. By the end of the business day, the amount more than doubled, and the $2 million mark was passed by 5:30pm. As of 11pm, more than $2.64 million was raised through 23,300 gifts. That means the Challenge on pace to easily surpass the $3.12 million raised last year.

The event, being spearheaded by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, has shown remarkable success in the past few years as Sarasota philanthropists proved themselves among the most generous in the nation. This year, The Patterson Foundation will match new donor gifts up to $250. “There is truly no other Give Day event in the country that offers this kind of incentive without limit,” said Susie Bowie, vice president for Philanthropic Education and Marketing for the Community Foundation.

The Challenge is a partnership of the Community Foundation and The Patterson Foundation, with support from the William G. and Marie Selby Foundation, Manatee Community Foundation and John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. The Community Foundation will make special grants, including $70,000 in grants for organizations that receive donations from the most individuals, as well as awards for Best Nonprofit Partnership, Best Business Partnership, Best Video, Best Board Member Engagement, Best Overall Campaign and superlatives.

The Giving Challenge