Frequently Asked Questions
What is East Texas Giving Day?
East Texas Giving Day is an 18-hour day of giving that provides critical funding for our area nonprofits. East Texas Communities Foundation is partnering with area nonprofits to give thousands of donors from every community in East Texas a chance to raise funds for local needs.
The purpose of an area-wide Giving Day is to bring the region together on one day and as one community, raising money and awareness for East Texas nonprofits. This initiative, organized by East Texas Communities Foundation (ETCF), provides citizens across ETCF’s 32-county service area an easy platform to support the mission of local nonprofits that serve our communities
Why should I give on East Texas Giving Day?
The purpose of an area-wide Giving Day is to bring the region together on one day and as one community, raising money and awareness for East Texas nonprofits. This initiative, organized by East Texas Communities Foundation (ETCF), provides citizens across ETCF’s 32 county service area an easy platform to support the mission of local nonprofits that serve that serve our communities.
One of the pillars of ETCF’s mission is to provide simple ways for donors to achieve their charitable goals. By providing an 18-hour online fundraising event, ETCF will give the public an opportunity to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for local nonprofits.
How much money does ETCF make on East Texas Giving Day?
None. ETCF has invested significant staff time and financial resources into the creation and execution of East Texas Giving Day to provide area nonprofits a simplified platform to reach new donors. ETCF will not receive compensation for hosting East Texas Giving Day. Each participating nonprofit will pay a $100 registration fee. This registration fee will be used to promote the event regionally.
Who can donate?
Any individual with a credit or debit card and access to the internet.
Are gifts tax-deductible?
All donations are tax deductible and irrevocable and will be for the unrestricted use by your chosen charity. Donations cannot be designated for a specific program at a nonprofit, although a participating nonprofit is free to indicate that it will use donations that day for a specific purpose. Donors will receive an immediate tax receipt via email at the conclusion of the donation process.
Is there a minimum gift?
The minimum donation amount is $10; however, there is no maximum donation. All gifts made on www.easttexasgivingday.org are non-refundable.
Can my gift be anonymous?
Yes. When you make your gift, simply check the anonymous button and the nonprofit will not receive your contact information. You will however still receive your gift acknowledgment letter for the gift from ETCF via email.
I have a Donor-Advised Fund at ETCF. Can I make a donation from that fund?
Yes. Donations made via ETCF donor-advised funds will not be subject to the credit card processing fees. Grant recommendation forms must be signed and dated by the fund holder. Forms may be faxed to 903-533-0258 or emailed to mlsmith@etcf.org or etcf@etcf.org on Giving Day or prior to Giving Day with special instructions to apply to Giving Day totals for the grantee.
Why should my nonprofit participate?
East Texas Giving Day allows nonprofits an opportunity to raise awareness about their mission, reach new donors and build online fundraising skills. Nonprofits should consider East Texas Giving Day as another component of their annual giving strategy. Like any tool, it’s as effective as you want to make it. A nonprofit can invest as little or as much time, energy and resources in promoting the event to its supporters and potential supporters as it wants. The more the nonprofit invests, the more return it will see. Nonprofits are also eligible to receive cash incentive prizes during the event. Communities which have held Giving Days in prior years report a significant percentage of new donors based on the community awareness and social media influence.
Will donations be for unrestricted purposes?
All donations are tax deductible and irrevocable and will be for the unrestricted use by the charity. Donations cannot be designated for a specific program at a nonprofit, although a participating nonprofit is free to indicate that it will use donations that day for a specific purpose.