FAQ

General FAQ

Q. What is the GoodGiving Challenge?

The GoodGiving Challenge is an annual online giving event that makes giving to local nonprofits easy and fun! An initiative of Blue Grass Community Foundation, the GoodGiving Challenge is our region’s biggest online fundraiser. The GoodGiving Challenge has mobilized tens of thousands of generous members of our community (and beyond!) to invest $24 million into local charitable organizations for the past 13 years. From Giving Tuesday, December 3 through Friday, December 6, our community will once again rally in support of local charitable organizations by making a gift online at BGgives.org.

Q. What is BGgives.org?

BGgives.org is an easy-to-use online platform that allows users to search and discover local giving opportunities aligned with the causes they care about. Anyone can donate to, or fundraise for, one or more of the 200 participating organizations in Central and Appalachia Kentucky. The site is a trusted resource for companies, newcomers, longtime residents, and families when they are looking to connect to causes that are important to them and give back where they live.

The site is activated on Giving Tuesday, with matching opportunities and prize incentives that can your gifts. BGgives.org and the GoodGiving Challenge are programs of Blue Grass Community Foundation, a Lexington-based 501(c)(3) public charity.

Q. What is Blue Grass Community Foundation?

Blue Grass Community Foundation is where people go to give to enhance the quality of life in Central and Appalachia Kentucky. We connect charitable individuals, families, businesses, communities and nonprofit organizations with causes they care about to meet community needs and make a difference. By harnessing the power of collective philanthropy, we work to create more generous, vibrant, equitable and engaged communities across the Bluegrass and Appalachia Kentucky. Learn more about BGCF on our website.

Q. When is the GoodGiving Challenge?

The GoodGiving Challenge launches on Giving Tuesday, December 3 at 9am and runs through 11:59pm on Friday, December 6.

Q. How does it work?

Donors visit BGgives.org and use the search function at the top of the main webpage to either browse for organizations of their interest or find a specific organization to make a gift. Donors can also connect to the site with a direct link sent to them by participating organizations via email or shared on social media. Donors looking to donate to a new organization or unsure who to select can also search by the causes they love most. Donors will be able to make gifts online beginning at 9am on Giving Tuesday, December 3 through Friday, December 6, at 11:59pm.

Q. How can I spread the word about the GoodGiving Challenge?

Follow Blue Grass Community Foundation (@BGCFKY) on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube to stay updated with the latest news and share our posts with your online community. Participate in our social media campaign by sharing how you give back during the GoodGiving Challenge! Post a photo or video with #GoodGivingChallenge to inspire your friends to join in our region's biggest giving event. Tag us @BGCFKY, and your post could be shared on our accounts!

Q. Does Blue Grass Community Foundation endorse the organizations participating?

Blue Grass Community Foundation verifies the charitable status of every organization that participates in the GoodGiving Challenge, confirms that organizations are not identified by the Horizon Forum Hate Screen as participating in hateful activities, and ensures that funds raised are used for non-secular purposes. However, BGCF does not screen or select organizations on the basis of their charitable purposes or their missions. Eligibility is based on providing services in our area and an organization's current status as a recognized Section 501(c)3 tax-exempt public charity. Therefore, approval of an organization's participation does not constitute an endorsement of the organization or its mission by Blue Grass Community Foundation or any of our partners.

Each organization’s page provides the organization's mission, not detailed information on all its programs. For additional research, each organization's page also includes a link to its website to provide you with more detailed information on the organization's mission and use of its funds. We also invite you to use our Kentucky Nonprofit Directory to conduct additional research.

Organizations FAQ

Q. Which organizations can participate?

A verified 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit (or fiscally sponsored by such an organization)
Registered to solicit funds with the Kentucky Attorney General
Recognized on Guidestar.org with a Gold Seal of Transparency, or higher
Physically located within one or more of Blue Grass Community Foundation's service area counties: Anderson, Bath, Bourbon, Boyle, Clark, Fayette, Franklin, Harrison, Jessamine, Madison, Magoffin, Montgomery, Morgan, Rowan, Scott or Woodford.

Institutions of faith may only participate if fundraising for non-secular charitable programming, such as a food pantry that is operated from the organization. Educational programs operated within a religious institution, such as a parochial school, may participate so long as funding is for educational and/or non-secular purposes.

Organizations may not participate if they are identified by the Horizon Forum Hate Screen as participating in hateful activities.

Q. When can organizations register?

Organizations may register to participate in the GoodGiving Challenge from June 3, 2024, to August 30, 2024. All participation requirements must be completed by August 30, 2024.

Q. How do I register my organization?

Search for your organization by name or EIN here. If you do not see your organization listed, you will select the "Add My Organization" button then follow the steps to create an account and profile for your organization. For more help registering your organization, please contact goodgiving@bgcf.org. For technical support, please contact customersuccess@givegab.com.

Q. Is there a fee to participate?

Yes, there is a $500 registration fee to participate in the GoodGiving Challenge, which has remained unchanged since 2011. Registration is paid via credit card during registration.

Registration fees support the operational costs and promotion of the GoodGiving Challenge.

Also, many of the valuable benefits for participating organizations are made possible because of the money raised through registration fees. Some of these benefits include:

Great exposure to our fundholders and previous GoodGiving Challenge donors.
Increased visibility to your organization through PR and advertising (5 million+ impressions in 2023).
Live, on-demand tech support leading up to and during the giving event.
Professional development opportunities through virtual and in-person training(s) for both staff and board members.
Shareable marketing materials to help organizations promote their fundraising campaigns.
A secure and reliable fundraising platform.
Creative cash prizes provided each year by our generous giving day partners.

Q. Why should my organization participate in the GoodGiving Challenge?

Raise awareness and expand your online presence: The GoodGiving Challenge is an excellent opportunity to reach new audiences and amplify your organization’s mission. The Community Foundation team coordinates all campaign coverage, promotion, and interviews with media outlets. Plus, your organization will gain exposure to Blue Grass Community Foundation fundholders who collectively donate millions of dollars every year for the causes they love. Maximize your reach by inviting anyone in the world to participate using the hashtag #GoodGivingChallenge.
Recruit and retain donors: The GoodGiving Challenge prompts donors to give every September, with many returning to donate each year. The likelihood of receiving a gift from a new donor is also very high. The Foundation's fundraising strategies, such as peer-to-peer fundraising, matches and challenges, and the prize pool, create an exciting atmosphere that sparks generosity across Central and Appalachia Kentucky.
Enhance every dollar donated with hundreds of thousands of bonus funds: Thanks to our matches and prizes partners, organizations can access additional funding during the GoodGiving Challenge through a robust prize pool.
Learn and deploy new fundraising and marketing strategies: Free toolkits and virtual training(s) will be available for organizations’ staff and board members.
Support your immediate operating needs: Funds raised during the GoodGiving Challenge are unrestricted gifts.
Engage your staff, board, and supporters in new ways: Setting up a match, becoming a peer-to-peer fundraiser, or utilizing the graphics and templates in the Resource Toolkit are just a few ways your supporters can get involved.
Track your success: GiveGab/Bonterra's fundraising platform gives you year-round access to valuable data and statistics. You can monitor your online giving activity in real-time and identify fun opportunities for the future.

Q. Is the GoodGiving Challenge right for my organization?

The GoodGiving Challenge is an effective way for organizations to gain new donors, raise money and increase exposure to a broad audience. However, only you can determine if this online giving event is right for your organization.

Like any fundraising event, it will take dedicated staff time to make the most of the GoodGiving Challenge; the dollars do not raise themselves! To make the most of the GoodGiving Challenge, you need to make sure your organization has someone who can dedicate their time to this effort, donors and staff who are comfortable working in an online environment, and that timing does not conflict with other initiatives.

Q. How much of each donation will go to our organization?

All donations (except gifts made with a BGCF donor advised fund) are assessed a 2.8% fee to cover platform expenses. In addition, credit card donations are assessed a 2.2% + $0.30 fee, and ACH donations are assessed a $3.00 fee. Please note that Blue Grass Community Foundation does not receive any of these fees and that 100% of donations are tax-deductible for the donor. Donors may opt to cover the fees before completing their transaction.

Q. When will my organization receive our donations?

Checks including funds raised, less uncovered fees, plus match dollars and any prizes won, will be mailed to nonprofits in January 2025.

Q. How can my organization access its donor data?

All organizations that participate in the GoodGiving Challenge will be able to access and download a .CSV file of their donations via their administrative dashboard. The report is updated in real-time and will donation information and the donor's name and contact information (unless the donor has elected to remain anonymous). Learn how to access your donor data via this helpful support article here.

Q. Where can I receive updates about the GoodGiving Challenge?

As the GoodGiving Challenge is an online event, we encourage organizations to frequently visit the resources available on www.bggives.org. Additionally, we will communicate important updates, announcements, and general tips and tricks via email, so be sure to list your preferred email address when completing the registration form. If you would like to add a staff member to our email list, please sign them up here.

We will also publicize exciting announcements via our social networks. Follow @BGCYKY on Facebook and Instagram to stay connected.

Q. Can my organization give out tangible items and prizes to people for donating to us during the giving day?

No, organizations cannot give donors cash prizes or tangible gifts (ex. T-shirts) in exchange for donating to their giving day campaigns. Instead, the Foundation encourages participating organizations to use the robust prize pool as a motivator for donors to give back and thank their donors via phone calls, handwritten notes, etc.

Q. How will Blue Grass Community Foundation promote the GoodGiving Challenge across the community?

Blue Grass Community Foundation promotes the GoodGiving Challenge to a broad audience through local advertising and partnering with TV, radio, print and digital media outlets.

Additionally, the Community Foundation spreads the word about the GoodGiving Challenge to its fundholders and other philanthropic friends of the Foundation through its digital communications, print, radio, TV and social media channels, garnering millions of print and online impressions.

We also utilize the promotional power of social media. Follow the hashtag #GoodGivingChallenge to stay connected to the online activity..

Donor FAQ

Q. Who can donate?

Anyone may donate! Donations through the GoodGiving Challenge online portal to charitable nonprofit organizations are tax-deductible and cannot be refunded. Contributions may be made via credit card, debit card, or BGCF donor advised fund only. Your credit card statement will reflect a donation to Blue Grass Community Foundation, which we in turn forward to your charity of choice after the conclusion of the GoodGiving Challenge.

Q. What is GiveGab/Bonterra?

GiveGab, which is becoming Bonterra, is a nonprofit giving platform that helps nonprofits to raise money, engage donors and manage volunteers quickly and efficiently. GiveGab/Bonterra offers a full portfolio of simple and easy to use products that allows organizations to function in a more streamlined manner.

Q. Why should I give through BGgives.org?

We encourage support of local nonprofits with year-round giving, but the GoodGiving Challenge was created as a local charitable celebration to applaud the philanthropists in our community and support the work of local nonprofits. Plus, gifts made through BGgives.org during the GoodGiving Challenge are amplified through sponsored matching incentives and prizes. Only gifts made through BGgives.org count towards a nonprofit's eligibility for these prizes.

Q. What are the minimum and maximum donation amounts?

The minimum gift amount is $10. There is no maximum gift.

Q. Is my gift tax-deductible?

Yes, gifts made through BGgives.org are 100% tax-deductible. When you make a gift on BGgives.org, your donation is collected by Blue Grass Community Foundation and forwarded on to your charity of choice. Blue Grass Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization, and all donations are deductible to the full extent provided by law.

Q. Will I receive a receipt for my gift?

Yes. An electronic tax receipt with an itemized list of each organization you gave to will be delivered to the email address you provide during checkout. Electronic tax receipts have been approved by the Kentucky Department of Revenue to be used for Kentucky state tax credit purposes.

Q. How can I give?

Gifts may be made online at BGgives.org via credit and debit card, ACH transfer, Apple Pay, or through an existing charitable fund held Blue Grass Community Foundation. Gifts by check, cash, or stock cannot be accepted as a part of this event.

Q. How will the donations be reported on my credit card statement?

Your credit card statement will reflect a donation to Blue Grass Community Foundation, which we in turn forward to your charity of choice after the conclusion of the GoodGiving Challenge.

Q. How much of my gift goes to the nonprofit?

All donations (except gifts made with a BGCF donor advised fund) are assessed a 2.8% fee to cover platform expenses. In addition, credit card donations are assessed a 2.2% + $0.30 fee, and ACH donations are assessed a $3.00 fee. Want your nonprofit to receive the full gift amount? Cover the transaction fee! Donors have the option to cover the fee during checkout, allowing more of their gift amount to go directly to the nonprofit.

Q. How will donations be distributed?

Participating nonprofit organizations will receive a check from Blue Grass Community Foundation that includes donations made on BGgives.org, as well as any matching funds or prizes won during the GoodGiving Challenge.

Q. Does Blue Grass Community Foundation receive any portion of the donations?

No. Blue Grass Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3) and does not profit from the GoodGiving Challenge.

Q. Can I make a gift in honor/memory of someone?

Yes. Donors will have the option to designate this using the Comments section of the giving form.

Q. Can I make an anonymous donation?

Yes. Donors will have the option to choose to remain anonymous when completing the giving form.

Q. What if the organization I want to donate to is not listed?

You may only donate to the organizations that chose to participate. If your favorite cause is not listed, encourage them to join us next year! They can sign up for our mailing list here.

Q. How do I know if a nonprofit organization on BGgives.org is valid?

The GoodGiving Challenge verifies if an organization is a registered 501(c)(3) organization with the IRS. In addition, each organization is required to register with the Kentucky Attorney General and achieve a Gold Seal of Transparency on GuideStar Local.

Q. Do I need to create an account to make a donation?

No. You do not need to create an account to make a donation. The benefits of creating an account include having your tax receipts collected in one location, being able to track your donations, follow the charities you support, and engage in future volunteering and donations. Your tax receipt is emailed immediately upon processing your donation. To claim a donation as a deduction on U.S. taxes, you should retain the donation receipt as an official record.

Q. Can I make donations via a mobile device?

Yes! Simply visit bggives.org on your mobile device.

Q. Can I pre-schedule a donation for GoodGiving Challenge?

You cannot pre-schedule your GoodGiving Challenge gift. In order for your donation to be counted towards prize incentives awarded on GoodGiving Challenge it must be made between 9am on Tuesday, December 3 and 11:59pm on Friday, December 6.