POTTSTOWN – More than 50 nonprofits in Montgomery, Chester and Burks counties are rushing to raise funds in October through a collaborative effort known as The Amazing Raise.

Amazing raise Is a fundraising campaign that takes place every October. TriCounty Community Network, a Pottstown-based nonprofit serving nonprofits in Montgomery, North Chester and Eastern Berks County.

TCN’s mission is to support local nonprofits, and The Amazing Raise is at the heart of that mission. The funds collected will be boosted by “bonus gifts” which enhance each donation.

Launched by TCN in 2017 Pottstown Area Health and Wellness Foundation, The Amazing Raise was initially a 24-hour online fundraising appeal in the style of GivingTuesday, a global campaign used by many nonprofits on Tuesday after Thanksgiving. Since last year, The Amazing Raise has been a month-long effort and continues throughout the year as a support mechanism for participating nonprofits.

Over the past five years, The Amazing Raise has contributed $ 1.3 million to local nonprofits. But this program does more than just fundraising.

“The goal is to create a culture of charity in the community beyond the fundraising month,” said Holly Parker, TCN Executive Director. “We started this as a pretty crazy idea. We’re a small organization tackling this challenge, but we thought it was worth trying something else for the community.

“We want to be more than a fundraising platform. It is like teaching men to fish. Nonprofits are trying new fundraisers and serving clients in the community. We want to provide a framework and support for you to be creative in your ability to grow. “

Incredible increases are especially valuable for small nonprofits that may not have the resources to focus on fundraising, Parkers said. Participating nonprofit organizations include institutions that provide take-out food for schoolchildren, educational resources for struggling schools, community programs in libraries and churches, a pantry, daycares, training professional, housing and communal gardens. Includes Museum, Pottstown July 4th. Party.

The pandemic has changed funding

Since the coronavirus pandemic has made direct fundraising difficult, the need to be creative in fundraising has become very important.

“Local nonprofits needed to change traditional fundraising methods and acquire more sophisticated knowledge in data analytics, social media and innovative ways to tell donor stories. Parker said. TCN has responded to this need by establishing a support system with free advisory services from fundraising professionals available to all nonprofits participating in The Amazing Raise.

The benefits of consulting services have been a huge boost for individual nonprofits, Joe said.
Rusiewicz Executive Director, Pottstown Education Foundation Provides resources to students and teachers in the Pottstown School District.

“We brought in consultants to help us become a better nonprofit in the way we raise funds,” said Rusiewicz. “The consultants supported the survey and the individual outreach strategy with the goal of increasing graduate participation in funding. “

This effort is tied to The Amazing Raise, which has won $ 142,000 for the Education Foundation over the past five years. According to Rusiewicz, the funding will include an early college program that pays high school tuition to attend Montgomery County Community College classes, field trips to elementary schools, advanced placement exam fees and school grants. It strengthens the program and facilities. Equipment of arts departments and libraries not included in the school district budget.

“Silent movement”

According to Parker, the Amazing Raise was a “silent movement” and the Centraide and GivingTuesday campaigns were never broadcast nationally. “It’s hyperlocal and published by individual nonprofits.

“Contributors love the mission of the participating nonprofits and visit The Amazing Raise website to support their mission in the region. “

Participation also supports community-wide efforts. “We hope this will be a fundraising center in our community and energize the movement around Amazing Raise. We are different from other fundraisers. In addition to fundraising, we also provide hands-on training and support to help local and non-profit organizations grow and grow. “

And there is a bonus: all donations will be increased by the bonus at the end of the campaign. This year’s bonus fund includes $ 15,000 from TCN to commemorate the 15th anniversary and donations from several regional foundations, individuals and the Pottstown Hospital Employee Campaign which won $ 40,000 over the three last years. to augment.

To participate in the Amazing Raise https://www.amazingraisetricounty.org/nonprofits/ Look for nonprofit organizations. Each nonprofit has goals and profiles, and the month’s fundraiser is posted on the website. Parker pointed out that all donations are handled on a secure portal and all money remains locally fortified through bonus gift matches.