Message from Marguerite Kondracke on America's Giving Challenge
America’s Promise Alliance was built on the foundation of giving – giving our children the resources they need to become successful, productive adults. More than 350 Alliance partners have both given of their time and resources to help our children succeed and have been the fortunate beneficiaries of giving from generous foundations, organizations and individuals. Now, we are working to mobilize the nation to cut the high school dropout rate in half by 2018. By achieving this goal, we will ensure that 90% of today’s fourth graders graduate from high school, and with our continued support they will graduate ready for college and the 21st century workforce.
To achieve our “Grad Nation” goal, we must all work together. We must see beyond our silos and realize that we are all working for our common futures and the future of our country. We must also think creatively, reaching new audiences with fresh approaches, tapping into the power of social media to spark change, and collaborating in ways we never have before. When America’s Promise Alliance was asked to become part of America’s Giving Challenge, we jumped at the chance. We know that our country’s economic challenges have made giving more difficult for many individuals and organizations, so it has forced all of us in the non-profit community to value every contribution, no matter the size. In fact, it has forced us to embrace the power of small donations to make a big difference in the life of a child.
Presented by the Case Foundation, Causes, and PARADE, America’s Giving Challenge is a 30-day, national competition that encourages people to leverage their personal networks and online social media to help win cash awards that will total $170,000 on behalf of their favorite nonprofit. Participants will compete for daily and overall awards based on the number of donations generated for their cause, not dollars raised. By taking part in the Challenge, individuals and nonprofit organizations will increase awareness about their causes, attract new donors, and encourage people to get and stay involved with causes they care about.
America’s Giving Challenge kicked off online on October 7, 2009 and closes on November 6, 2009. The Challenge will also be featured in a PARADE cover story on October 11 featuring Matt Damon. Nonprofits and individuals can register to participate at www.americasgivingchallenge.com.
As we help promote the launch of America’s Giving Challenge, we know we are part of something big. Instead of competing against each other for funding, we are working together and inspiring each other to be creative in how we reach potential supporters. And we are saying that we’re no longer just going to dip our toe in the water to try and reach a younger generation, we are going to dive in – and, hopefully, make a splash.
Marguerite W. Kondracke
President and CEO, America's Promise Alliance