Central Oregon Gives celebrated another record-breaking year of philanthropy. The campaign, renowned for its innovative approach to year-end giving, helped raise an astounding $1,128,000 during its eight-week run in 2024, marking the third consecutive year of surpassing the $1 million milestone.
Since its launch in 2018, Central Oregon Gives has distributed over $5 million, directly benefiting more than 100 nonprofits across Central Oregon.
The campaign, which ran from November 6 through December 31, saw significant participation, with over 3,000 individual donations. Of these, more than 1,500 were under $25, highlighting the collective power of even small contributions.
2024 Fundraising Contest Winners
The nonprofits that receive the largest amount of funding through Central Oregon Gives receive prizes of their own from matching donors. Anonymous donors give a donation of $2,500 per category and another $15,000 for the overall winner. This year First Interstate Bank returned as a category sponsor for the Basic Needs category, boosting that category’s prize to $5,000.
Overall Winner: Saving Grace — earned a $15,000 prize for their top performance.
The nonprofit in the Basic Needs category that raised the most earned $5,000 from First Interstate Bank. This year that nonprofit was The Giving Plate.
Category Winners ($2,500 each):
Animal Welfare: Street Dog Hero
Arts & Culture: World MUSE
Health & Environment: Healing Reins
Most Donations $25 and Under: Desert Sky Montessori
Collectively, the campaign inspired record-breaking generosity, beating last year’s total by $100,000 and doubling the number of donors compared to 2023.
Community Support and Donor Incentives
The campaign’s success is attributed in large part to the support of local businesses. Participating donors received thank-you gifts for contributions of $25 or more, sponsored by over a dozen local companies, including Backporch Coffee Roasters, Barre3, Boss Coffee, Breedlove Guitars, Cascade Lakes Brewing, High Desert Frameworks, Makin’ It Local, Metalheads Boutique, Mountain Burger, Mt. Bachelor, Old Mill District, Pinky G’s Pizzeria, Port of Subs, Sisters Coffee, Silver Moon Brewing, Teacupfuls and 3rd Street Beverage.
“This year’s Central Oregon Gives campaign exemplifies the incredible impact our community can have when we come together to support local nonprofits,” said Aaron Switzer, founder of Central Oregon Gives and publisher of The Source Weekly. “We are continually inspired by the generosity of Central Oregonians and the dedication of the nonprofits who do so much for our region.”
Looking Ahead to 2025
Central Oregon Gives will return in November 2025, with plans to build on this year’s momentum.
About Central Oregon Gives:
The Central Oregon Gives campaign raises funds for Central Oregon nonprofits through tax-deductible donations made via an interactive digital platform at centraloregongives.com. Each donor who contributes $25 or more receives a thank you gift from a local business, such as a pint of beer or cup of coffee. Donors are also entered to win larger prizes. Nonprofits that raise the most also receive additional donations from generous foundations or local businesses.
