Give Local 2025 program to wrap up this Friday

Four days remain in The Community Foundation of South Puget Sound’s 9th annual Give Local campaign, a three-week online shopping-mall-like fundraiser that shows profiles for more than 150 nonprofit organizations.

As of this morning, the campaign — located at spsgives.org — has raised $797,758 for nonprofits throughout Thurston, Lewis and Mason counties. This year’s program ends at midnight on Friday, Nov. 21.

Since its launch in 2017, Give Local has steadily grown, raising a total of $5 million. In 2024, the campaign brought $1.2 million for 142 nonprofits. All donations supported programs that range from food assistance and early learning to environmental protection, arts access and youth support.

Showcasing a wide range of missions

The foundation encourages the community members to explore the Give Local website, which provides a tool to browse organizations by topic and connect donors to organizations. Categories include food access, housing, environmental conservation, animal welfare, arts, community development, health, civic engagement and more.

The Give Local website profiles well-known nonprofits, such as the Thurston County Food Bank, which provides food and resources to neighbors in need; Capitol Land Trust, which protects vital natural resources and offers youth outdoor programs; and Concern for Animals, which helps low-income residents care for their pets through food, supplies, and veterinary services.

The site also features small, emerging organizations that many residents may not be aware of. Among them are:

Pacific Shellfish Institute (PSI) is a research-based nonprofit in Olympia that provides hands-on education about Puget Sound and local estuaries.

Through its projects, like SoundToxins monitoring, Plankton Workshops, and lending kits for students and libraries, PSI teaches scientific investigation, protects water quality, and inspires stewardship. Donations support outreach, equipment, and community science across the South Sound.

Oly Camp Kitties’ mission is to help people experiencing homelessness care for their cats by providing no-cost spay and neuter services, veterinary care, and pet supplies.

The organization’s services include transporting cats to and from clinics and covering all medical expenses, distributing food, litter, medications, and other supplies through outreach at local encampments and housing sites.

Outdoor For Our Heroes (OFOH) is a nonprofit that helps disabled veterans, active duty members, and first responders build hope, confidence and family strength through quality outdoor adventures. Its programs include hunting and fishing trips, rod-building classes, and community events designed to foster healing, develop skills, and create supportive networks.

OFOH’s programs are designed to foster healing, build relationships, and enhance the well-being of the most deserving heroes through meaningful connections with nature and like-minded individuals.

Nature Nurture Farmacy's mission is to build vibrant community health through the use of herbal medicine, sustainable food cultivation, and empowering education. They run gardening and wellness classes, distributing resources to local families, and partnering with schools, farmers, and health providers to expand food access and prevent chronic disease.

Enterprise for Equity supports aspiring entrepreneurs with limited incomes in the South Sound by providing training, mentorship, and access to financial resources. Since 2009, the organization has helped more than 500 individuals start or grow small businesses, particularly those who face systemic barriers to economic opportunity.

Donors have multiple ways to make an impact during the Give Local event. This year, the $100,000 Give Local Bonus Fund returns; boosts everyone's donation with a boost in proportion to donors' specified donations. The foundation also supports contributions through donor-advised funds, IRAs and gifts of appreciated stock.

“Give Local is more than a fundraiser. It is a celebration of community generosity,” said Mary Lam-Witcher, The Community Foundation’s philanthropy and communications officer.

The Community Foundation of South Puget Sound inspires philanthropy by connecting people with causes they care about and supporting local nonprofit and students through grants and scholarships.

Since 1989, the foundation has awarded more than $29 million and manages approximately $44 million across 135 funds.

Publisher’s Note (in case you missed it elsewhere):

The JOLT News Organization (which publishes The JOLT -- The Journal of Olympia, Lacey & Tumwater) is Thurston County’s independent community-owned, nonpartisan, nonprofit news organization. We deliver coverage of local governments, schools, business, arts and community events, all without charge, and would also appreciate your support.