Elbow bumps and social distancing have become new societal norms, and essential to help slow the spread of COVID-19. For nonprofits, that has often meant postponing or canceling their community fundraising events.
It’s a difficult decision for many of these nonprofits, including Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bucks County. The organization – which has provided children facing adversity with professionally-supported one-to-one mentoring relationships since 1964 – depends on the funds raised at social events. In the case of BBBSBC, these funds support key mentoring programs that, statistics show, keep at-risk children from engaging in risky behaviors – like using alcohol and drugs – and create constructive goals for their future when matched in a caring one-to-one mentoring relationship.
“Here at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bucks County, we are grateful to be part of a values-driven organization whose mission is to ignite the power and promise of youth,” said Rachel Kurtz, the agency’s CEO. “However, we feel we must do our part in slowing down the spread of the COVID-19 virus. With this in mind, we have made the difficult decision to postpone our March 15 and March 29 ‘Bowl for Kids Sake’ fundraising events.”
So, even as nonprofits follow the protocols designed for the safety of their staff and the community, they’re coming up with creative ways to fund their important work. For instance, BBBSBC’s innovative idea is to invite community members to support the agency by becoming a “Match Maker.” For $100 a month, an individual can fully support a match for an entire year. This contribution can help a vulnerable child in the community get the encouragement, guidance and support they need to change their path and make better choices for their future.
Another option is to support BBBSBC through its GoFundMe page. Leftover change can also be donated through the “Coin Up” app.
– Sponsor a match between a “Big” and “Little” at app.mobilecause.com/f/2ly6/n?vid=3v3vf
– Donate through gofundme.com/f/help-big-brothers-big-sisters-of-bucks-county
– Designate spare change to BBBSBC at coinupapp.com
– Sign up as a sponsor for an upcoming event, and BBBSBC will start advertising your company now on its social media and website; email marketing and events manager Rob Peterman at rpeterman@bbbsbc.org
