Nonprofit News: January 2026 | |
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Registration for the 2026 Giving Challenge Is Officially Over
Now comes the fun part!
| The deadline to register for the 2026 Giving Challenge has passed, but there's so much more to do to prepare your nonprofit to succeed. We have several upcoming virtual trainings packed with useful information about things you can do to help your nonprofit maximize its Giving Challenge results, and we've also unveiled a flurry of prize opportunities, some of which you'll need to apply for and some of which you will be automatically entered to win. Get the scoop on everything you need to know below. | | Prize Opportunities Galore! | | |
Prizes are an engaging way for nonprofits to dive deep into their capacity-building efforts and explore partnerships, opportunities, and connections that last far beyond the Giving Challenge itself. Of course, they also provide a fun, friendly outlet for those organizations with fierce competitive spirits.
We recently updated the Giving Challenge website with information about several prize opportunities. Many prizes are awarded automatically (like "The Fast 50," $250 prizes that will go to the first 50 nonprofits to inspire 50 unique donors to give through the challenge), while others require a special entry. For example, through Jan. 30, we are accepting entries in the Best Video Commercial contest: We're looking for short videos (30 seconds max) that tell a compelling story about a nonprofit's work and incorporate the Giving Challenge "Be The One" concept.
Learn more about those prizes, and many others, at the link below.
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Upcoming Giving Challenge Trainings
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Training #1: Giving Challenge Campaign Communication Planning
Strong campaigns start with strong communications. This practical online training session will help you and your organization craft clear, compelling messages to use before, during, and after the 2026 Giving Challenge. Learn how to create a streamlined communications plan, tailor your messages for different audiences, and maximize your reach across social media, email, and other channels. You will also receive practical templates and a timeline to keep outreach focused and on track.
The training will begin at noon on Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026, and will be led by Jennifer Abbott, CAP, and Sara Leonard, MBA, CFRE, two consultants with The Patterson Foundation as part of its Fueling Dynamic Fundraising initiative.
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Training #2: Countdown to Impact
This hands-on session will guide participants through creating a detailed “run of show” for the big day, testing planned activities, and spotting potential gaps. You’ll also explore strategies to begin stewardship planning early—so your organization is ready to thank, engage, and retain donors long after the 24 hours have ended.
The training will begin at noon on Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026, and will be led by Victoria Finley, CFRE, and Sara Leonard, MBA, CFRE, two consultants with The Patterson Foundation as part of its Fueling Dynamic Fundraising initiative.
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Training #3: Final Steps to Success
In this webinar led by GiveGab, we'll cover last-minute tips and best practices to engage with your supporters and be successful in the 2026 Giving Challenge. The GiveGab and Community Foundation teams will also answer any and all last-minute questions.
The training will begin at noon on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.
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Watch Past Giving Challenge Trainings Online
All training webinars and support materials can be viewed at any time.
Last fall, we hosted "Set Your Organization up for Giving Challenge Success," an online training session for nonprofits looking to jump-start planning for their 2026 Giving Challenge campaigns. Led by Josephine Eisenberg and Sara Leonard, MBA, CFRE, two consultants with The Patterson Foundation as part of its Fueling Dynamic Fundraising initiative, the session helped participants set realistic fundraising goals, determine the central focus of their campaigns, identify the right prize opportunities, recruit strong support teams, and align Giving Challenge activities with their broader fundraising efforts.
If you missed it, we strongly suggest watching our recording of it as you and your nonprofit begin planning your campaign for this year's challenge. You can also view the slideshow that accompanied the training here.
| Recordings of other Giving Challenge trainings, as well as support materials, will also be made available on the foundation's YouTube channel and the Giving Challenge website after they have taken place. | | |
Community Impact Grant Applications Now Being Accepted
Nonprofits must apply before Feb. 1.
Community Impact grants are designed to support nonprofits that help families, children, and households achieve lasting economic stability and mobility, a complex undertaking that involves addressing the many factors that affect a family's well being. Community Impact grants are designed to support the development of programs and systems that strengthen our community through neighborhood and family-focused initiatives—ultimately creating an environment rich in opportunity for all.
Community Impact grant requests should not exceed $25,000. Please note: The average Community Impact grant award is approximately $15,000.
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Still Accepting: Scholarship Applications
Students age 24 and under have until Feb. 1 to apply.
Our ongoing round of scholarship applications ends soon. Here's what you need to know:
- This round of scholarships is for high school and college students 24 years old or younger
- Applicants must be residents of or high school graduates of schools in Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte, or DeSoto County
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Students can complete one common application for multiple scholarship opportunities
- Scholarships are available for accredited universities, community colleges, technical schools, and certification programs
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The deadline to apply is Feb. 1, 2026
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Got Questions? We've Got Answers!
Our Community Impact department holds weekly Zoom sessions for nonprofits from 11 a.m. to noon every Friday. This is an excellent opportunity to ask specific questions about the 2026 Giving Challenge, as well as any other questions you may have about grants or grant applications.
There's no need to pre-register. Just click the link below to join.
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Nonprofit Job Bank
Whether you're seeking a new nonprofit position or you want to post an open position at your organization, your local resource is the Association of Fundraising Professionals Southwest Florida Chapter's Job Bank, supported by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County.
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