giving tuesday 712

(December 16, 2024) According to GivingTuesday Data Commons, a record-breaking $3.6 billion was donated across the United States on Giving Tuesday earlier this month by 18.5 million people. This is a 16% donation increase from the previous year. 

That donation spirit is alive and well in western Iowa. For a second consecutive year, the Community Foundation for Western Iowa has reported that SHARE Iowa nonprofit organizations collectively raised more than $1.5 million in donations during Giving Tuesday 712. 

“This year is truly a testament to the giving spirit of people who live in the western Iowa region,” said Donna Dostal, president and CEO of the Community Foundation for Western Iowa + SHARE Iowa. “Even though national charitable giving is down statistically this year, our region gave more overall and continues to invest in the quality of life and long-term sustained impact of the work our nonprofits do across western Iowa.”

The Community Foundation for Western Iowa + SHARE Iowa achieved its $1.5 million fundraising goal in western Iowa during Giving Tuesday for a second straight year. This year, the average SHARE Iowa donation was up 10.2% to $96.31 compared to last year’s $87.36 average. SHARE Iowa is a one-stop online platform to support the good work of nonprofits in nine counties throughout western Iowa by connecting residents to easy ways of doing good through financial giving, in-kind donations of items and volunteerism. 

SHARE Iowa’s resources are brought to the region by the Community Foundation for Western Iowa and through the generosity of the Charles E. Lakin Family Foundation. Iowans have more opportunities to yield positive outcomes in their communities and learn more about the organizations that impact people in their neighborhoods, towns, cities and states. There are 275 nonprofit organizations that partner with SHARE Iowa, up from 101 in September 2022.  

Throughout the year, donors are encouraged to visit SHAREgoodiowa.org for nonprofit contributions. 

“Giving Tuesday is an important day of giving,” Dostal said. “We encourage the giving spirit and attitude every day. All acts of generosity matter. Everyone can contribute toward building a better world in which we all want to live.”