Give Local Unites Generosity and Well-Being for All as ‘Together We Give’

October 4, 2023, Olympia, Wash.— The Community Foundation of South Puget
Sound is thrilled to announce its highly anticipated 7th annual Give Local 2023 event
taking place from November 6 – November 17. This online giving campaign invites
community members to visit www.spsgives.org and ‘Give Local’ in support of the
many local nonprofits that enhance lives and care for our lands across the South
Puget Sound.

Give Local South Puget Sound, an initiative of the Community Foundation of
South Puget Sound, encourages community philanthropy, increases support for
causes people in our region care about, and boosts nonprofit visibility. With over
100 participating nonprofits, this year’s event offers an exceptional opportunity for
everyone who cares about our region to amplify the impact of their contributions by
donating to one or more worthy causes.

The event’s remarkable growth is evident, evolving from a small, invite-only
gathering that raised around $120,000 for 50 nonprofits in 2017 to a vibrant
community-wide celebration that raised nearly $800,000 for 97 nonprofits in 2022.
With a cumulative giving total of $2.9 million, this year’s event promises to further
grow this legacy of generosity and collective impact.

Give Local’s success is a testament to the incredible spirit of giving that permeates
the South Puget Sound. It’s also a reminder that anyone—regardless of age or
income—can give back to their community in a meaningful way. In 2022, an
astounding 80% of all gifts made were $200 or less, and every dollar given through
the campaign received a proportional boost from a $100,000 Bonus Fund provided
by the Dawkins Charitable Trust—a benefit participants will enjoy again this year.

Reflecting on the profound significance of Give Local, Tara McQueen shared, “Give
Local provides a unique forum to be a part of all the good that is happening in our
community without feeling like I need to break the bank. Each year, I learn about
new organizations and ones I’m acquainted with and ‘spread the love’ by giving
small gifts to many organizations, and I can remain engaged with all the causes that
are important to me. This allows me to give without hesitation and feel good about
it.” Harry and Shelly Griffith expressed their enthusiasm, stating, “When we were
younger, our small communities supported us economically and socially through
scholarships, mentoring, coaching, and other types of support to achieve our goals.
We both feel strongly about supporting our younger people and those in need to
accomplish their goals.” These sentiments encapsulate the spirit of Give Local,
showcasing the power of collective giving and the change it can bring about.

Thanks to generous sponsors, credit card and platform fees are covered so that 100%
of donations go directly to nonprofits. Community Foundation of South Puget
Sound would like to extend a special thanks to all our returning sponsors in 2023:
Dawkins Charitable Trust, Olympia Federal Savings, TwinStar Credit Union, WSECU,
The Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation & Lucky Eagle Casino & Hotel.