Make a Year-End Donation to Help Nebraska’s Memory Makers

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.