Gulfshore Life: Support one of these nonprofits during #GivingTuesdayNow

For the past eight years, nonprofits across Southwest Florida have kicked off the holiday season with Giving Tuesday—an international movement that rallies the entire world for a day of doing good. Beyond donating money (the last event in December raised $2 million in the U.S., alone), the campaign calls for people to give back in any way they can—contributing financially, donating time and skills, promoting an organization’s efforts or simply doing something nice for a neighbor.

In light of the COVID-19 crisis and the dire need resulting from the pandemic, the organizers launched a second day of giving, #GivingTuesdayNow for May 5, to stimulate coronavirus relief efforts and unite people in times of isolation.

The event focuses on helping everyone affected and all forms of generosity, but there is a special emphasis on supporting nonprofits—the unseen heroes of the pandemic that are feeding, sheltering and otherwise caring for those impacted by the crisis.

In our own backyard, many nonprofits are stretched to the max, with canceled fundraisers threatening their budgets and increased need within the communities they serve. Nonprofits, like Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum and Artis—Naples have had to shutter their doors; the local YMCA chapters have furloughed most of its staff; and food pantries, nonprofits for families and underserved children and healthcare groups have more people coming to them seeking help.

Giving Tuesday operates under the notion that any little bit we do helps, and it provides a great opportunity for our philanthropic community to show the generous heart of Southwest Florida.

Gulfshore Life Magazine reached out to our nonprofit friends to find out who is participating on #GivingTuesdayNow, on May 5. Join any of these efforts or reach out to the organization you support to see how you can help.

CLICK HERE to visit Gulfshore Life for the full list of nonprofits and how you can help.