VAN WERT – #GivingTuesday is a global day of giving that harnesses the collective power of individuals, communities, and organizations to encourage philanthropy and to celebrate generosity worldwide. Following Thanksgiving and the widely recognized shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Monday, this year’s #GivingTuesday will take place on Dec. 3, 2019, and will kick off the giving season by inspiring people to collaborate and give back.

The Van Wert County Foundation first celebrated giving in 2018 by matching donations made to Foundation held Charitable Organization Endowment Funds on #GivingTuesday. The initiative was a massive success with over 173 gives for a total endowed amount of $128,716.00 (including VWCF matching funds). The Foundation will again match up to $10,000 per Charitable Organization Endowment Fund for the 2019 #GivingTuesday event.

On #GivingTuesday (Dec. 3, 2019, ONLY), individuals and businesses have the opportunity to donate to one or multiple Foundation held Charitable Organization Endowment Funds - essentially doubling the gift with a match from The Foundation. A Charitable Organization Endowment Fund is established by a charitable organization to provide support for the agency’s exempt purposes. The original gifted amount (principal) is permanently preserved. Income generated from gifts will benefit the named charitable organizations forever.

The following funds are eligible for matching gifts from The Foundation during the #GivingTuesday 2019 initiative:

- Cross Over The Hill Endowment Fund

- Friends of 4-H Fund

- NPAC Permanent Endowment Fund

- PLC Health Clinic Endowment Fund

- Van Wert Civic Theatre Endowment Fund

- Van Wert County Council on Aging Endowment Fund

- Van Wert County Fairgrounds Endowment Fund

- Van Wert County Historical Society Endowment Fund

- Wassenberg Art Center Fund

- Wee Care Learning Center Trust

To give to The Van Wert County Foundation #GivingTuesday initiative, you can donate online via GoFund Me links that will be released early Tuesday.

You can also deliver a check or cash donation to The Van Wert County Foundation office located at 138 E. Main St., Van Wert, OH 45891 on Tuesday, December 3, 2019, from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. and enjoy coffee, hot cocoa, and donuts.