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Giving back

Give 906 Campaign aims to generate $906,000 in donations on Giving Tuesday

The logo for the Give 906 campaign is pictured. The Give 906 campaign, organized by Grow & Lead Community and Youth Development in an effort to generate $906,000 in donations for Upper Peninsula nonprofits in conjunction with Giving Tuesday, has released a directory of U.P. nonprofits and projects seeking donations on Giving Tuesday. Visit give906.org to learn more and view a full list. (Image courtesy of Grow & Lead Community and Youth Development)

MARQUETTE — Giving Tuesday, a global day of generosity that takes place the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, is fast approaching.

For Yoopers seeking to give back locally on Giving Tuesday, Grow & Lead Community and Youth Development’s Give 906 campaign has released a list of Upper Peninsula nonprofits participating in the campaign, which aims to generate $906,000 in donations for U.P. nonprofits on Tuesday in conjunction with Giving Tuesday.

“There are over 50 projects registered this year. We were excited to welcome two businesses in Marquette this year that are also participating, which was not something we expected,” Victoria Leonhardt, an associate at Grow & Lead Community and Youth Development, said in an email. “There are a number of U.P. wide projects, so all counties have something they can give to on the day.”

The dozens of Give 906 campaign projects encompass everything from conservation, to health, to art, history and much more, she said. By donating to an Upper Peninsula nonprofit, Yoopers can ensure their contribution will make a difference close to home.

“There are so many good things happening in our communities! Looking through the list of the projects, it’s heartwarming to see how much generosity exists to make much needed programming available across the U.P,” she said. “When you give locally, you’re likely having an impact on someone you know, either as a client, board member or staff. Even a small gift makes a big difference. Some of the nonprofits have paid staff, so keeping the dollars local creates and retains local jobs.”

Offering a localized campaign for Giving Tuesday is important, she said, as there was a need for greater awareness about giving to local nonprofit organizations.

“We have a number of small, grassroots organizations and causes that participate. For these organizations to pull together a campaign and promote it regionally can be a challenge. We hope that the #give906 campaign eases that burden for the nonprofits so they can focus on their mission,” Leonhardt said. “We’ve also recognized that people are really passionate about the Upper Peninsula, even if they don’t live here anymore. This is a way to reach former residents that still care about the area and educate them on the needs.”

It’s the second year of the campaign, organizers said, noting the inaugural campaign raised over $405,000 in donations for registered U.P. nonprofits.

For those looking to contribute, Leonhardt said a number of organizations already have their fundraisers set-up, while a few are waiting until Tuesday to launch. Furthermore, it’s important to recognize that donors can also give the gift of time, as some nonprofits are “looking for members or volunteers, and welcome people to learn more anytime,” she said.

Visit give906.org to learn more and view a full list of registered nonprofits.

Donors and volunteers are encouraged to use #give906 on social media to share how they gave locally.

To learn more about Giving Tuesday, visit givingtuesday.org, givingtuesdaykids.org, or find Giving Tuesday on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

Cecilia Brown can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 248.

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