By Rebecca Harris
JACKSON – Kick off the charitable season on #GivingTuesday, Nov. 28, with #iGiveCatholic – a crowdfunding event that brings the Catholic community together to give thanks and give back. The Diocese of Jackson is once again joining dioceses and Catholic foundations across the country for the ninth annual #iGiveCatholic campaign. The #iGiveCatholic Giving Day is held annually on #GivingTuesday, a global day of giving fueled by the power of social media and generosity.

Last fall, 42 partnering dioceses raised over $18.5 million for 2,400+ participating parishes, schools and ministries. The Diocese of Jackson had 50 participating organizations and ministries that collected over $207,000 in donations. The amount that is collected increases each year as more and more people become familiar with the #iGiveCatholic campaign. Since its inaugural year in 2015, the #iGiveCatholic Giving Day has yielded continued growth in the number of participating dioceses and their participating non-profits as well as total donations, both online and offline, and average gift amount.

“This is an incredible opportunity for Catholic communities nationwide to unite to promote generosity and celebrate our Catholic heritage,” said Cory Howat, president of #iGiveCatholic. “Every donation makes an impact and has a positive effect on the life of the church as a whole. We are thrilled the Diocese of Jackson is partnering with #iGiveCatholic to raise funds for all of the participating parishes, schools and ministries in their community and around the country.”

When an diocese or foundation participates in #iGiveCatholic, their webpage hosts individual profile pages for each Catholic parish, school, and non-profit ministry (organizations) within that arch/diocese wanting to participate on #GivingTuesday. Each profile page features personalization capabilities, including video, photos, custom copy and a donate button to tell that organization’s story, their impact on the community and the church, and what the organization will do with the funds raised. The organization page includes a thermometer and scrolling ticker-tape updating total donations on the Giving Day in real time, affording parishioners, alumni, parents and supporters the opportunity to track how their favorite parish, school or ministry is doing during #iGiveCatholic.

Individuals can also get involved, ensuring the success of their favorite parish, school or ministry by hosting and personalizing individual fundraising pages on behalf of their favorite organization, and/or by providing a gift that can match other donations during the event.

For more information about supporting organizations and ministries withing the Diocese of Jackson on Tuesday, Nov. 28 during the #iGiveCatholic Giving Day, please contact Rebecca Harris at (601) 960-8477.