The Big Payback nearly here

NASHVILLE - More than 14,400 donors came together in a big way last year to "pay back" nonprofits in the region, raising more than $2.65 million in just one day as part of The Big Payback.

That's why The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee is bringing back The Big Payback for its third year on Tuesday, May 3, for what is hoped to be the biggest event yet. Nonprofits--including schools and religious institutions--are encouraged to register now to participate at TheBigPayback.org.

The Big Payback is a community-wide, online giving day designed to give the public the opportunity to pay back the nonprofits that make this a place we are proud to call home. Starting at 12 a.m. on May 3, the public-at-large has 24 hours to make donations to their choice of participating local nonprofits at TheBigPayback.org.

"The Big Payback puts a charitable spin on the idea of 'buy local' and provides an easy and fun way for communities to show their local pride and give back," said Ellen Lehman, president of the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. "Nonprofits do life-changing work every day across Middle Tennessee, and it's important we recognize the positive impact they have in our own backyards by supporting their efforts."

Gifts from the public will be boosted with additional funds from sponsors of The Big Payback. Nonprofits will vie for financial incentives, bonus donations and additional prizes. An online leaderboard will track donations in real-time.

Donors will be able to view and select from participating organizations based on location and focus area, such as animals, education, health, arts and more. Donors can support multiple organizations and make gifts from $10 and up.

Nonprofits, schools and religious institutions found success in last year's giving day, which helped raise much-needed funds for particular needs, like new windows for a building, computers for a classroom or specific programming in support of a mission.

There is no cost for nonprofits to participate. The past two years, donors have ensured no participating organization walked away empty handed.

Organizations interested in participating in The Big Payback should register by March 18. Details can be found at TheBigPayback.org.

About The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee

The Community Foundation exists to promote and facilitate giving in the 40 counties of Middle Tennessee and beyond. It does this by accepting gifts of any size from anyone at any time and by empowering individuals, families, companies, nonprofits and communities to respond to needs and opportunities that matter. The Community Foundation works with people who have great hearts, whether or not they have great wealth, to craft solutions that reflect their intentions and goals. For more information, call (615) 321-4939 or visit www.cfmt.org.