Do More 24 events raise record $2.6M

WILMINGTON – More than 500 nonprofits raised more than $2.6 million in the annual Do More 24 Delaware campaign earlier this month, setting a new record in the event that raises funds for a diverse array of organizations in just 24 hours.

Organized jointly by United Way of Delaware and Spur Impact, the campaign that ran March 3-4 surpassed last year’s record haul of $1.9 million by at least 36%, and benefited nearly 20% more nonprofits. More than 10,000 people made a donation during the event.

Nonprofits create their own outreach activities to engage supporters and compete for additional cash incentives funded by corporate and foundation donors. This year, the Longwood Foundation, Welfare Foundation, Laffey-McHugh Foundation, Delaware Community Foundation, Carl M. Freeman Foundation, and the Delaware Division of the Arts helped add to individual donations through incentives.

Barclays US Consumer Bank, Chemours, Discover Bank, and other corporate partners and nonprofits also sponsored and supported the event in different ways.

The top five fundraisers overall this year were:

1. Delaware Art Museum, $245,503
2. Delaware Symphony Orchestra, $154,688
3. The Grand Opera House, $147,321
4. OperaDelaware, $105.295
5. Sanford School, $75,780

The top five fundraisers for small nonprofits were:

1. Shepherd’s Office Inc., $67,050
2. Barbara K Brooks Transition House Inc., $42,835
3. Supporting Kidds Inc., $34,480
4. Code Purple Kent County, $29,440
5. Newark Arts Alliance, $25,610

“Today, Delawareans showed up for nonprofits that support our community every day and we couldn’t be more proud. Delaware might be small in square mileage, but we’re mighty in many other ways, including the generosity of our people,” United Way of Delaware President and CEO Michelle Taylor said in a statement.

Charlie Vincent, executive director of Spur Impact, agreed, adding, “The nonprofit sector continues to persevere through the evolving pandemic economy and to have more than 500 nonprofits fundraising in this year’s event and collectively raise more than $2.6 million speaks to the generosity of all Delawareans, including the next generation of donors striving to make an impact with their philanthropic dollars. We are proud to have played a small role in activating individual philanthropy and helping the Delaware nonprofit sector long after today is over.”

This year’s event will again feature a 24-hour livestream hosted by Chris Bruce, of King Creative in Wilmington, and will be available to watch from the event’s website. In addition, all donors who made a donation of at least $50 were invited to a post-event virtual benefit concert featuring Backtrack Vocals, an award-winning New York City a cappella group with two members who went to schools in Delaware.