Full color, glossy annual reports and newsletters and invitations to fund raisers have begun to flow through the mail in earnest. The annual race to access charitable feelings has commenced. It actually started before Halloween, but who’s counting?
One e-mail request has combined the best of public radio and a critical cause many people are willing to ignore of late – civil liberties. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has arranged a “gift match” for Nov. 19 called Match Day 2.0.
“The Columbus Foundation wants to help you support the fight for liberty by matching your gift to the ACLU of Ohio Foundation,” says the e-mail. “Starting at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 9, the Columbus Foundation will match all online credit card donations in the amount of 50 cents of every dollar contributed online, from $20 up to $2,500 per individual. Be sure to log on promptly at 2 pm, as matching funds are sure to go quickly!”“
The Columbus FoundationWeb site describes the event this way:
“The Columbus Foundation announces Match Day 2.0, a giving stimulus plan created to match gifts to PowerPhilanthropy organizations and raise $1 million in 48 hours to support local needs in our community.”
An interesting twist – creating competition for matching grants – the effort seems like a way to encourage non-profits to mobilize their supporters and get them to participate in the fundraising process. But there’s something snarky about this, too; an organization with an excellent program in need of funds simply might not have the resources to access this kind of opportunity.
That said, the ACLU is an essential organization that happens to have kick-ass technology available and a solid message.
“Our country is entering a new era. We have the opportunity to restore the liberties that have eroded over the last eight years. You can help us repair our tattered Constitution—and the Columbus Foundation will make your gift go twice as far.”
If you want to participate, log on by Nov. 14 to register. Then, make your donation next week, Wednesday, Nov. 19, at 2 pm.
Check out the ACLU at www.acluohio.org.
