Even in economic turmoil, Columbus gives record big to The Big Give

With wallets hurting, a recession looming, and unemployment at an all-time high, the generosity of others overcame all of those hurdles during the fifth installment of the Columbus Foundation’s The Big Give to the tune of $32.6 million.

Given the economic circumstances, the odds were without a doubt stacked against the Big Give this year. However, philanthropists still opened up their wallets, displaying unbelievable generosity.

Before 2020’s event, The Big Give had brought in a total of $52.2 million for nonprofits over four events. Which makes this year’s Big Give total of $32.6 million even more remarkable. It’s an 81-percent increase from the previous record set in 2017 of $18 million.

Here are some additional statistics from The Big Give:

Four organizations (Gigi’s, Columbus Museum of Art, The Ohio State University Foundation, and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Ohio) broke a million dollars in donations
1,107 nonprofits received donations, breaking the previous record of 906 set in 2017
Over 44,000 donations were made, an increase of 47 percent from 2017

Donors were so eager to lend a helping hand that the Foundation’s website crashed for a few hours within 60 seconds of the start of The Big Give. The donation-based event started on Wednesday at 10 a.m. and ran for 25 hours, with an additional six-hour extension on Thursday.

When speaking with Natalie Parscher, vice president for communications and marketing at the Columbus Foundation, she mentioned that the organization had its sights set on having a lower turnout than the previous Big Give in 2017. The community pride was too strong, though.

“I feel that our community is one that knows how to rally when there’s a rallying cry put out. This time, people were looking for a way to help (others).”
Natalie Parscher

Another reason why donations were so high this year had to do with the $1.5 million bonus pool, which climbed to $2 million before the end of the day. Credit card fees were also waived.

What began in 2011 as the Columbus Foundation’s platform to boost Ohio nonprofits has evolved into one of the biggest platforms for supporting the organizations that help fuel our community.

The Big Give has taken place previously in 2011, 2013, 2015, and 2017. You can still give to the many charities through the Columbus Foundation here.

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