By Christopher Luke
JACKSON – #iGiveCatholic returns to the Diocese of Jackson on Tuesday, Nov. 28. The one-day giving blitz offers parishes, schools and organizations a chance to raise money online with support from the Catholic Foundation and the iGiveCatholic organization. Twenty-eight people completed the first training for participants on Wednesday, September 27, in Jackson. Training will continue until the final session, a webinar set for Tuesday, October 24, at 2 p.m.
During this mandatory training, representatives will learn how to register their ministry on the #iGiveCatholic website, promote the giving day using volunteers, social media, newsletters, emails, bulletin announcements, etc., and thanking and following-up with donors.
Trena Robinson, Director of Advancement and Communications/Public Relations for the Mound Bayou St. Gabriel Mercy Center is participating for a second year. “Attending the #iGiveCatholic training session was very informative. I learned about the new requirements as well as the updated technology guidelines. The marketing ideas session was very intriguing,” she said. “Examples of how to reach more donors through the use of social media were given.” Last year, the proceeds from #iGiveCatholic were used towards the renovation of the cafeteria at St. Gabriel. This year, the proceeds will be allocated to a new roof on the learning center.
#iGiveCatholic is a 24-hour online crowdfunding effort that is held the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. The Catholic Foundation has made this opportunity possible by paying the entry fee for the entire diocese. The campaign involves 16 total arch/dioceses with a goal to raise $3.5 million in gifts. The goal for the Catholic Diocese of Jackson is $150,000. #iGiveCatholic isn’t just a fund-raiser. It is also an opportunity for the Catholic community to affirm its faith as disciples of Jesus Christ by sharing gifts out of love for God and one another.
In 2016, the campaign included the Archdiocese of New Orleans, the Diocese of Baton Rouge, Houma-Thibodaux, Biloxi, and Austin, Texas. This year the campaign has extended to the Archdioceses of Atlanta, Ga., Kansas City, Kan., and Mobile, Ala., the Dioceses of Helena, Mont., Knoxville and Memphis, Tenn., Lexington and Owensboro, Ky., Lubbock, Texas, and Paterson, N.J.
Last year, donors exceeded the $1.5 million goal, giving $1.8 million dollars with a total of 6,826 gifts. The Catholic Diocese of Jackson raised $132,736 from 1,019 givers.
How does #iGiveCatholic work? Donors will visit iGiveCatholic.org, the online platform and search for their participating parishes, schools, ministries, and not-for-profit organizations. From November 10-26, donors can schedule gifts to their favorite ministry. Donors can also donate on the actual giving day. Leaderboards on the website will keep track of donations to each organization. The minimum donation is $25.00 and there is no maximum.
Parish, school, or not-for-profit organization representatives have a little time left to sign up for the effort. All it requires is a training session and some enthusiasm. Contact Christopher Luke at 601-960-8481 or email at cluke@jacksondiocese.org to get details.