How give feedback and support local nonprofits during Give Miami Day

Give Miami Day is returning for its milestone 15th year, providing people across South Florida an opportunity to open their wallets and support local causes. Hosted by The Miami Foundation, the 24-hour philanthropic event takes place on Thursday, Nov. 19, from midnight to 11:59 p.m. However, early online giving opens at midnight on Saturday, Nov. 14, and runs through Nov. 18. The annual gathering was originally established following a 2012 Knight Foundation survey revealing that the Miami metro area was the least civically engaged region in the country. Rebecca Fishman Lipsey, president and CEO of The Miami Foundation, described the event as a meaningful quinceañera celebrating a generosity movement that supports nonprofits and their leaders.

Nonprofits in Miami employ over 77,000 people, accounting for roughly 5.5 percent of the local workforce. Many of these organizations rely heavily on community support. According to a recent Miami Foundation survey, nearly one in four Give Miami Day nonprofits experienced budget cuts resulting from reductions in government funding at federal, state, and local levels. Organizers noted that more than half of Miami nonprofits operate on budgets under $250,000, and over a quarter of small nonprofits maintain less than one month of cash reserves.

Last year, the event shattered records with more than 60,000 donors raising nearly $44 million for local nonprofits.

Fundraising success is largely driven by smaller contributions alongside larger gifts from major donors. Last year, the most common contribution was $25, accounting for 30 percent of all transactions. Smaller nonprofits depended more heavily on grassroots giving, with 68 percent of their transactions coming from donations under $100. Education and Youth organizations captured 40 percent of total donations, followed by Community Care at 15 percent, Arts and Culture at 14 percent, and Inclusion and Accessibility at 2 percent. The event will culminate in a quinceañera-themed celebration at loanDepot Park in Little Havana on Nov. 19, preceded by a 5K + Festival on Nov. 15 along Biscayne Boulevard featuring a free concert by Flo Rida.

How give feedback and community support shape South Florida

This annual fundraising drive directly impacts hundreds of local organizations that deliver essential services throughout the region. With many small nonprofits operating on very slim cash reserves, community contributions help bridge funding gaps caused by reductions in government support and allow organizations to maintain vital programs for residents, students, and workers.