The timing for a major area fundraising campaign to aid non-profit organizations couldn’t have been worse.
The fourth annual Week of Giving campaign, sponsored by the non-profit and Oil City-based Bridge Builders Community Foundations, was launched Monday with the goal to meet or exceed its 2019 figure of $333,000 by week’s end.
Its debut was smacked by the dramatic and sudden challenge caused by the coronavirus and the resulting shutdowns in the private and public sectors.
And while those circumstances have cut into the donations, the results to date suggest local philanthropy is still thriving, according to foundation director Trenton Moulin.
“I expect we will break $200,000 by the end of today,” Moulin said on Thursday. “And we have another day to go.”
In 2019, the campaign, one that benefits more than 100 non-profit groups ranging from Ys to libraries, scholarship funds, 4-H and more, raised $333,000 in donations listed as 1,939 individual gifts. Contributions were received via check or online.
The contributions provide funding for organizations in Venango, Clarion and Forest counties as well as Punxsutawney in Jefferson County. Swelling the coffers are initial monies offered as a pool fund from Northwest Bank, the Paul and Ellen Flickner Charitable Fund and National Fuel Gas.
So far, the average donation this year is $130, a bit lower than the 2019 average of $175.
“The majority of the gifts are from individuals,” said Moulin. “Even with the average gift smaller this year, that is certainly not too shabby considering what is going on.”
“Am I surprised at how well we are doing? The stock market tanking, businesses closing – yes, I am amazed. During this difficult time, I am truly amazed at the generosity of people around here. So many people have given all types of amounts – big, small and anywhere in between,” said Moulin. “It gives me so much hope for our community. It is so giving.”
Potentially dire economic circumstances will “push out” the campaign money quickly to the non-profits, said Moulin.
“We are probably going to fast track our grants to organizations that need them,” he said. “We are looking at all options on how to deploy this money because it is needed more than ever now. The checks will go out ASAP so they can be put to good use,” Moulin said.
While the Week of Giving campaign officially ends at 5 p.m. today, Bridge Builders will continue to accept donations.
“Online gifts can be made until 5 p.m. but, in this extraordinary time, we will take late donations because we know our people are generous,” said Moulin.
