Delaware’s 24-hour nonprofit fundraiser returns for 2021

Do More 24 Delaware, the 24-hour online fundraiser for nonprofits, is a fun, community-focused way to donate to local organizations.

Sort of a combination of a digital competition and an old-fashioned telethon, Do More 24 has, in the past, promoted in-person fundraising events that aligned with the daylong event, from 5Ks to barn bashes to social media conferences. Last year’s event, falling just days before Delaware went into COVID-19 lockdown, saw the nonprofit community collectively raise nearly $400,000 for 276 organizations.

This year, Do More 24 will be held March 4 to 5. With social distancing still necessary, the main event is a virtual concert on the 5th featuring country music star Jimmie Allen, who grew up in Sussex County.

“I say it with pride — I am a Delaware native,” Allen said in a statement. “I love the small town I’m from, Milton, and I love the entire state of Delaware. And any time I can give back to my home state I’m all for it.”

Jimmie Allen. (Courtesy photo)

Tickets for the “Best Shot” star’s online concert are $50, with proceeds going to participating nonprofits as part of prizes awarded during the event. You can also get a ticket by donating a minimum of $50 to the nonprofit(s) of your choice during the event, which will happen soon after the 24 hours wrap up.

Delaware’s Do More 24 currently has a $75,000 stretch pool, thanks to donors like the Longwood Foundation and the Delaware Community Foundation: These funds will be used to match donations made during the event on a proportional basis. So, for example, a nonprofit raising 5% of the overall funds raised will receive 5% of the stretch pool.

Throughout the day (and night), participating donors are encouraged to engage with their favorite nonprofits in a good-natured competitive way, helping to get them on the leaderboard and win challenges by donating and encouraging others to donate via social media. In 2020, Family Promise of Northern New Castle County topped the leaderboard, raising nearly $34,000 and winning 10 challenges.

“The efforts of our community-based organizations in response to COVID-19 have been nothing short of heroic,” said Michelle A. Taylor, president and CEO of United Way of Delaware, which is organizing Do More 24 2021 alongside Spur Impact. “In the wake of the pandemic, nonprofits banded together, identified critical needs and pivoted quickly to meet those needs. From providing food, shelter and financial assistance to providing personal protective equipment, computers and internet and even standing up learning pods, community-based organizations continue to provide vital support.”

On Do More 24 Delaware, your donations go further! When you give to a nonprofit on March 4-5, it will be matched by our program donors through a stretch pool. Make your money count for more and donate! Set a reminder to donate here. https://t.co/WZF9fD0Asa #domore24de #netde pic.twitter.com/VGwVYSjLyx

— United Way Delaware (@UnitedWayDE) February 9, 2021

Charlie Vincent, executive director of Spur Impact, the organization behind the Millennial Summit and the year-round giving platform DEGives.org, is confident the 2021 event will be another success.

“Our planning team will rise to the challenge,” he said, “and Do More 24 Delaware will empower the next generation of donors to raise even more meaningful dollars for those nonprofits serving Delawareans, all of which have been affected by the pandemic.”

To participate as a donor, or if you have a nonprofit and are interested in participating or have a nonprofit fundraising event on March 4 and 5 you’d like to tie in to DoMore24, go to DoMore24Delaware.org.