The Big Prize will be awarded to the agency with the most support of their donor relations practices as defined by:

1) Making each “ask” personalized

2) Thanking each donor in a meaningful and prompt way upon receipt of their gift

3) Communicating the impact of each gift

4) Using innovative techniques to communicate with and engage donors

Central Texas is a community that models exemplary personal philanthropy. That’s the I Live Here, I Give Here vision! Our goal is to deepen and expand the culture of personal philanthropy in our community by inspiring Central Texans to give more and more Central Texans to give.

What better way to demonstrate our commitment than to host an event to celebrate our 2nd birthday and the act of giving- The Big Give! At this first-ever event, I Live Here, I Give Here will recognize the organizations demonstrating best practices in donor cultivation and stewardship.

In order to make The Big Give a success, we need to hear from Central Texas givers. We want to hear about your very best experiences as donors to the nonprofits you care about. Then we will award a prize – a big prize – to the nonprofit with the most public support of their donor cultivation and stewardship practices. Through this process, we will lift donors up as well as the best nonprofits in Central Texas.

What do we want to hear about?

Any nonprofit registered on www.ILiveHereIGiveHere.org before Sept 1, 2009

Who do we want to hear from?

Any Central Texan

When do we want to hear?

From September 1 - September 30

When are finalists announced?

We will tabulate the responses and announce finalists on October 6, 2009.  Central Texans will have an opportunity to vote for the finalists starting October 7th.

Then what happens?

The nonprofit organization with the most support of their donor cultivation and stewardship activities will win the big prize at The Big Give, October 22, 7 - 10 pm, at Austin City Limits Studio

What’s the Big Prize?

Recognition as the Big Winner and $10,000 in cash