Georgia Gives Day: National Infantry Museum Foundation leads in statewide donations

The National Infantry Museum Foundation topped the list for the most money raised statewide during the fourth annual Georgia Gives Day held Thursday.

The foundation raised $330,916, making it one of the top recipients for the second year in a row, according to information released Friday by the Georgia Center for Nonprofits. Last year, it ranked No. 2 statewide.

Taking fifth place was MercyMed of Columbus, which raised $153,710. Girls Inc. of Columbus and Phenix City-Russell County ranked eighth on the Financial Wellness Leader Board with $16,411.

The statewide philanthropy campaign is held annually to help nonprofits raise funds over a 24-hour period. In total, Columbus nonprofits raised $815,514 from more than 1,200 donations, the release said. Statewide, participating nonprofits raised a record-breaking $3.67 million from 17,318 donations. A total of 2,453 nonprofits participated. In Columbus, about 100 organizations joined the campaign. Though many of the organizations began raising money ahead of time, the big push wasn't until Thursday at midnight.

"Yesterday's record level of generosity proved the truth of this year's campaign theme: On Georgia Gives Day, our community comes together 'For the Greater Good,'" said Karen Beavor, president of the Georgia Center for Nonprofits. "We saw donors across the state rallying to support the organizations committed to strengthening and enriching the communities in which we live and work. Together, we have created a powerful annual giving movement in Georgia that continues to grow."

Launched in 2012, the fundraising blitz has grown each year, raising more than $8.9 million and securing more than 54,000 donations, according to the release. This year's total was the most dramatic increase in giving, surpassing the 2014 campaign by $1.3 million. Participation amongst the state's nonprofits has also continued to rise, from 1,346 in 2012 to 2,453 in 2015.

The next Georgia Gives Day is already set for Nov. 17, 2016.

"Beyond the funds received, the Georgia Gives Day initiative is accomplishing something much more," the release said. "It is proving the power of partnership and the potential of a uniquely massive collaboration between nonprofits, foundations, companies, government and individuals who care."

Alva James-Johnson, 706-571-8521. Reach her on Facebook at AlvaJamesJohnsonLedger.

This story was originally published November 13, 2015 at 9:31 PM with the headline "Georgia Gives Day: National Infantry Museum Foundation leads in statewide donations ."