The Power of Year-End Donations

While charities receive donations and grants all year round, December sees a surge in giving. 30% of annual donations are given during this month, with 10% of all donations being made in the last three days of the year alone. 

The year-end giving season is critical for non-profits and charities. It’s not just about the amount of money raised but also the overall impact on their operations and ability to achieve their missions. Here’s a breakdown of that impact: 

Financial Stability

Year-end giving is a lifeline for non-profits, providing a significant portion of their annual funding and allowing them to operate effectively. These donations often fund future projects and initiatives, expanding their reach and impact. The year-end boost also helps non-profits build reserves to navigate unforeseen challenges and maintain long-term stability.

Increased Visibility and Awareness

The year-end giving season offers non-profits increased visibility, allowing them to reach a wider audience and connect with new donors. Year-end campaigns often prioritize personalized communication to build stronger donor relationships and encourage continued support.

Operational Impact

Increased year-end funding allows non-profits to invest in staffing, resources, and infrastructure to improve their overall efficiency. This financial boost can also create program expansion to address evolving community needs. A successful year-end giving season provides long-term sustainability for the non-profit to continue its vital work.

Why Year-End Giving is Good for Donors

End-of-year giving is obviously beneficial for nonprofits, but donors receive benefits as well. Not only can you support a worthy cause, but there are also tax benefits associated with charitable giving. By donating before the end of the year, you may be eligible for deductions on your tax return.

Aside from financial benefits, year-end giving taps into the spirit of the season by remembering those outside your immediate sphere. While the holidays bring joy and celebration for many, they can also be a time of hardship and struggle for others. Taking compassionate and generous action to make a difference for those in need gives donors a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

In other words, giving feels good.

Gift Matching for Bigger Donations

Many companies have matching gift programs that are particularly active during the year-end giving season. This means they will match their employees’ charitable donations, effectively doubling (sometimes even tripling) the impact of their gifts.

Here’s why matching gift campaigns are more common during the holidays:

• Increased generosity: People generally feel more charitable at the end of the year, and companies leverage this by promoting their matching gift programs.  
• Tax benefits: Donors are often looking for ways to maximize their tax deductions before the year ends, and matching gifts can help with that.  
• Year-end goals: Many companies have philanthropic goals they want to meet by the end of the year, and matching gift campaigns help them reach those targets.  

To find out if your employer offers a matching gift program, check your company’s intranet or HR portal, contact your HR department, or use a matching gift website, like Double the Donation, to search for your employer and see if they offer a matching gift program.

Nebraska Greats Foundation: Making a Difference

At the Nebraska Greats Foundation, we’re dedicated to supporting former Nebraska athletes facing medical and financial hardships. These athletes, who once brought us so much joy and pride in their sport, may now be facing devastating challenges that require our help.

Help Long After Leaving the Playing Field: Rick Czap

The physical demands of a sports career can lead to long-term health issues. Rick Czap, a former Husker defensive tackle (1964-1966), has faced numerous health challenges and the destruction of his Florida home by Hurricane Ian. The Nebraska Greats Foundation stepped in to provide financial assistance for 80-year-old Czap’s mobility needs, greatly improving his quality of life.

When Injuries Cut a Career Short: Hannah Tillison

Hannah Tillison, a former Midland University athlete with a history of hip injuries, suffered an ankle and brain injury during soccer matches. These injuries forced her into early retirement and led to significant medical expenses. Our foundation stepped in to provide financial assistance to help Tillison with her medical bills.

Getting a Player Back in the Game: Evan Taylor

Former UNL basketball standout Evan Taylor experienced severe foot and leg injuries that forced him to leave his European basketball team and return to the US for surgery. We awarded a grant to fund Taylor’s medical evaluations and ongoing physical therapy so he could focus on his recovery. 

By supporting the Nebraska Greats Foundation during the year-end giving season, you can directly impact the lives of our state’s former athletes. Your contribution can help provide medical care, financial assistance, and emotional support during a time when they need it most.

How to Participate in Our End-of-Year Giving Campaign

The end of the year giving season is nearly upon us, so now is the time to include donating as part of your holiday activities. We’re proud to announce the kick-off of our “Larry the Cable Guy Git-r-Done For Nebraska Greats!” campaign.

It’s easy to give using any of these three methods:

• Text the word LARRY to 44834 to donate.
• (or) Scan the QR Code below. 

• (or) Click on the link: onecau.se/_826661

Support by Spreading Awareness

Beyond financial contributions, you can help the Nebraska Greats Foundation by bringing awareness to our campaign and the work we do. Harness the power of your social media platforms to share information about us, encouraging your friends and family to learn more and consider donating. 

Take your support a step further by organizing a local fundraising event or volunteering your time to assist our foundation’s efforts. This hands-on approach not only raises awareness for our cause but also creates a sense of community and shared purpose.

Change Lives Through the Nebraska Greats Foundation

The Nebraska Greats Foundation supports former athletes by providing assistance with medical bills, living expenses, and other essential needs. These former athletes have given so much to make our state proud, and we see that they receive the care and support they deserve after their days of competition are over.

Any athlete can suffer unexpected and career-ending illness or injury. When that happens to our former Nebraska athletes, they know they can turn to us. This year, give the gift of changing someone’s life by taking part in our year-end giving campaign. Your support allows the Nebraska Greats Foundation to continue our work.

What is Giving Tuesday?

Giving Tuesday occurs on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving in the US. Many non-profits and charities see a noticeable spike in donations they receive on this day. It’s a global movement that celebrates radical generosity and encourages individuals, communities, and organizations to give back in whatever ways they can. 

Whether through donating money, volunteering time, or simply showing kindness, Giving Tuesday reminds us that we all have the power to make a positive impact.

The History of Giving Tuesday

The 92nd Street Y, a cultural center in New York City, and the United Nations Foundation created Giving Tuesday in 2012. It began as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good for others. 

Giving Tuesday offered a refreshing alternative to the consumerism mindset by serving as a dedicated day for generosity and giving back.

Over the years, Giving Tuesday has grown into a global phenomenon that’s observed in over 80 countries. It has evolved beyond monetary donations to include acts of kindness, volunteering, and community engagement.

Giving Tuesday Facts

Since its beginning, Giving Tuesday has inspired millions of people worldwide to donate billions of dollars to charitable causes. It creates awareness of generosity, reminding us that even small acts of kindness and charity can create a ripple effect of positive change in our communities.

Here are some facts about Giving Tuesday:

• Giving Tuesday is always the Tuesday after Thanksgiving.
• The Giving Tuesday heart logo symbolizes the collective power of generosity and compassion.
• The hashtag #GivingTuesday is used millions of times on social media each year.
• Many organizations see a significant increase in donations on Giving Tuesday.
• Giving Tuesday inspires people to give back to make a difference in the world.
• No matter how big or small, every act of giving makes a difference.
• On Giving Tuesday 2023, donors in the U.S. gave an estimated $3.1 billion, and the global impact was even greater.

Making a Bigger Impact With Matching Gifts

Wish there was a way you could make a larger contribution on Giving Tuesday? Many companies offer matching gift programs to help you do just that. These programs essentially double (or even triple) your donation to the causes you care about – it’s like getting free money for your favorite nonprofits. 

Before you donate this year, ask if your employer has a matching gift program. Many companies have specific guidelines and deadlines, so it’s important to do your research beforehand. You can often find this information on your company’s intranet, HR portal, or by contacting your HR department. 

By taking advantage of your employer’s matching gift program, you can make your Giving Tuesday donation go further.

The Nebraska Greats Foundation: Supporting Former Athletes

The Nebraska Greats Foundation was born out of tragedy and a deep desire to help.

Former Husker football stars Andra Franklin and David Humm both faced devastating illnesses and financial hardship in their later years. Franklin succumbed to heart disease in 2006, unable to afford even basic medical care, while Humm’s battle with multiple sclerosis left him needing round-the-clock attention he was unable to afford. 

These heartbreaking situations exposed a critical gap in support for former athletes facing medical hardship.

Former Nebraska All-American Jerry Murtaugh took action inspired by the NFL Greats Foundation. He organized a fundraiser for Humm, which provided medical care for the remainder of his life. 

However, Murtaugh was haunted by the missed opportunity to help Franklin, and it drove him to create a lasting solution to help former Nebraska athletes in need. He created the Nebraska Greats Foundation to help former letter-winning athletes from the state’s 16 four-year colleges and universities who face medical hardships and financial difficulties. 

Today, the Nebraska Greats Foundation serves as a lifeline, providing much-needed assistance to ensure our Nebraska athletes receive the care and support they deserve.

Why Support the Nebraska Greats Foundation?

The Nebraska Greats Foundation embodies the spirit of Giving Tuesday through the support and resources they provide. By contributing to our cause, you can directly impact the lives of former athletes who have given so much to the state of Nebraska and its fans.

Your donation can help us provide the following:

• Financial assistance for medical expenses: Covers the costs of surgeries, treatments, and rehabilitation.
• Mental health support: Offers counseling and resources to address emotional well-being.
• Community outreach: Connects former athletes with resources and support networks.

How to Donate on Giving Tuesday

By donating on Giving Tuesday, you become part of a global movement of generosity while making a real difference in the lives of Nebraska’s athletic heroes. Supporting the Nebraska Greats Foundation is easy – here’s how you can contribute:

1. Visit the Nebraska Greats Foundation Website: Go to our official website to find the Make a Donation page.
2. Choose your donation method: Donate online using a credit card or GPay. (You may also send a check by mail.)
3. Consider recurring donations: Make a lasting impact by setting up a recurring monthly donation.
4. Spread the word: Encourage others to donate on Giving Tuesday by sharing our foundation’s mission on social media.

Even a small donation can make a significant difference in the lives of athletes in need of support from their fellow Cornhuskers. Every contribution helps the Nebraska Greats Foundation continue our vital work of supporting those who have brought so much pride to our state.

Missed Giving Tuesday?

If you missed Giving Tuesday, you can still participate in our Larry the Cable Guy end-of-year giving campaign, “Git-r-Done For Nebraska Greats!”

There are three easy ways to make a contribution:

• Text the word LARRY to 44834 to donate.
• (or) Scan the QR Code below. 

• (or) Click on the link: onecau.se/_826661

Support the Nebraska Greats Foundation on Giving Tuesday

Former Nebraska college athletes who face challenges after their playing days are over can find vital support through the Nebraska Greats Foundation. We assist with medical expenses, rehabilitation, and other essential needs, making sure our athletes receive the care and support they deserve. 

Giving Tuesday is a powerful reminder of our collective ability to create positive change. By supporting our work at the Nebraska Greats Foundation, you honor the legacy of Nebraska’s memory makers. Visit our website today to learn more and contribute. Together, we can make a difference!