The Give Grandly Coalition of nonprofits, with the help of the Grant County Community Foundation, is busy organizing their ninth annual community fundraising event. The small communities in Grant, Luna, Catron and Hidalgo counties support scores of nonprofits, many of which depend heavily on volunteers, grants and donations.
Local nonprofits provide food and shelter to those who need it; they instruct, inform and entertain. They promote local economy, preserve history and heritage, work to protect the natural environment and help people get out to enjoy it. They also need funds to accomplish their aims and keep the lights on. Give Grandly provides the community with a chance to give back to those who add so much to the quality of life here in southwest New Mexico.
In 2014, Give Grandly began as a statewide fundraising day. In 2015, when the rest of the state lost interest in the event, the Grant County Community Foundation decided it was worthwhile for our corner of the state to go it alone. Local community response has been overwhelming, raising more than a million dollars over the last eight years. Just in 2021 the community raised more than $264,000 for the 59 participating nonprofits.
Every year, each participating nonprofit can earn up to $500 in match funds.
“The impact of match funds on fundraising during Give Grandly is huge,” Bernadette Smyth of Grant County Community Foundation said. “It’s such a wonderful thing for local businesses or individuals to do for this community.”
Local philanthropists have stepped forward with a very generous matching funds donation.
“Because we haven’t been able to be there in person with our checkbooks,” Janey said, “this has been a great way for us to continue to support our community. And it’s a great way for others to do so, too!”
Annual match fund supporters, including Freeport McMoRaN, United Way, the Sherman Foundation and CrimeStoppers, have pledged funds again this year, for which we are very grateful.
There is still time for businesses or individuals to sponsor this event by pledging match funds. Contact Bernadette Smyth at the Grant County Community Foundation at grantcountycommunityfoundation@gmail.com.
Give Grandly is going live on Saturday, May 7. Participating organizations will showcase their work to the local community in downtown Silver City. The Future Forge will host the event on the opening day of the Makers’ Market in the newly renovated Main Street Plaza located off Bullard Street, next to the Big Ditch Park in Silver City, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Gila Mimbres Community Radio 89.1 will also broadcast interviews with the nonprofits.
Thanks to the generosity of the McCune Foundation and United Way of Southwest New Mexico, donations can also be made by visiting www.givegrandly.org, where you can find information on all the participating nonprofits and a convenient way to donate.
