Match Day 2014 kicked off at 12:01 a.m. and will run through 11:59 p.m. tonight with a goal to raise as many dollars as possible for 20 area nonprofits focused on fulfilling basic needs.
The third annual 24-hour fundraiser, organized by the Greater Milwaukee Foundation, generates donations exclusively online and relies heavily on social media and public service announcements to generate awareness of its mission.
The day works to “shine the light on the need for basic food and shelter programs in this community (and) on the organizations that are providing those services,” Ellen Gilligan, president and chief executive officer of the Greater Milwaukee Foundation, told BizTimes Milwaukee.
Participating organizations in 2014 Match Day are: Advocates of Ozaukee, Center for Veterans Issues, Community Advocates, Daystar, Family Promise of Washington County, Feeding America of Eastern Wisconsin, Food Pantry of Waukesha County, Friends of Abused Families, Guest House of Milwaukee, Hebron House of Hospitality, Hope Center, Hope House of Milwaukee, Hunger Task Force, Milwaukee Rescue Mission, Pathfinders Milwaukee, Salvation Army of Greater Milwaukee, Sojourner Family Peace Center, The Cathedral Center, The Women’s Center, and Walker’s Point Youth and Family Center.
Last year’s fundraiser brought in more than $2.8 million, up $1 million from the inaugural fundraiser in 2012.
Similar to last year, a pool of $750,000 in matching funds will be distributed proportionately among the nonprofits this year, thanks to support from fundraising partners such as the Brewers Community Foundation, the Faye McBeath Foundation, and United Way of Greater Milwaukee.
For more information about Match Day or to make a donation to any of the 20 nonprofit beneficiaries, click here.
BizTimes Media is serving as an in-kind sponsor of the fundraiser.
