Bluegrass Gives launches on Giving Tuesday with new name, new format and more nonprofits than ever

The countdown is on for our region’s biggest online giving campaign! Bluegrass Gives (formerly the GoodGiving Challenge) returns in just one week on Giving Tuesday, Dec. 2, with a new name, a new format and more local nonprofits to support.

Hosted by Blue Grass Community Foundation in partnership with Smiley Pete Publishing, Bluegrass Gives makes it easy and fun to donate to the causes you care about. This year, 234 local nonprofits will take part in the 18-hour fundraiser.

“This campaign has always been about supporting the heart of our region: our nonprofits and the communities they serve,” said Lauren Parsons, director of strategic initiatives + communications at Blue Grass Community Foundation. “With this new name, we’re proudly celebrating the Bluegrass and calling on everyone to give where they live.”

On December 2, from 6am to midnight, every donation made at BGgives.org can go further thanks to $800,000 in matching dollars and prizes. That means your gift can help a nonprofit win bonus funds or unlock a dollar-for-dollar match, turning each act of generosity into something bigger.

Why give? These local nonprofits need our support more than ever. They’re feeding families, protecting land, offering shelter, mentoring children, caring for animals and creating opportunity. These organizations work year-round to help our communities thrive, and you can help them grow their impact by donating during Bluegrass Gives.

To celebrate the big day, community members are invited to the Bluegrass Gives Philanthro-Party on Dec. 2 at 10am, at Lexington Legends Park. This is more than a press conference—it’s a festive pep rally bringing together nonprofits, community leaders and generosity champions for hot chocolate, photos and a joyful start to the day.

None of this would be possible without the support of generous sponsors, including: Hodgkin Family Foundation, Clark County Community Foundation, Marksbury Family Foundation, Outlaw State of Kind Hometown Fund, James A. and Martha R. Brown Charitable Foundation, Thomson R. Bryant Jr. & Betty R. Bryant Fund, Jenna and Matthew Mitchell Family Foundation, Evangelos “Angel” Levas Foundation, Knight Foundation Donor Advised Fund at BGCF, THE GROOVALUTION, Mason Investments, Traditional Bank, Independence Bank, and Blue Grass Community Foundation.

Mark your calendar. Spread the word. Donate on Giving Tuesday, Dec. 2 at BGgives.org!