Education

	Bluegrass Community & Technical College Foundation $500 Match – Jimmy Nash Homes What we do: BCTC Foundation stimulates voluntary financial assistance to provide a skilled workforce, prepare students to transfer for baccalaureate degrees, support economic vitality, and improve quality of life. BCTC is an accredited, comprehensive community college offering transfer, career, and technical programs. We help students fulfill their dreams through higher education. The Foundation strives to remove financial barriers by providing scholarships, program support, and facility development. Why we’re great: BCTC transforms lives, providing education and hope for a brighter future. The Foundation helps make dreams a reality. One such vision is a new campus on Newtown Pike, which will provide access to higher education in a part of Lexington where those opportunities are limited. This urban campus will provide state-of-the-art training and will help revitalize this area. BCTC serves over 600 businesses and trains approximately 2,600 workers each year. Volunteer & In-Kind Needs: Office furniture Cars (2005 to 2012) Couch ESL tutors	Donate
	Carnegie Center for Literacy and Learning $500 Match – Puckett Electric What we do: The Carnegie Center empowers people to explore and express their voices through imaginative learning and the literary arts. We are a regionally-respected leader in education outside the school systems, impacting our community with low-cost or free programming and providing scholarships to all in need. Our award-winning tutoring program helps children improve their academic performance. Adults learn new job skills or improve their writing through workshops and events, and families enjoy programs that are educational and engaging. Why we’re great: The Carnegie Center is located in a beautiful, historic Carnegie library building where programs are vibrant and people of all ages and backgrounds are welcome. By providing art with a cause (literacy), we help people improve their quality of life. Our creative youth and family programs serve as a solid learning foundation, while the Nikky Finneys and Wendell Berrys of the world truly complete the circle of literacy. Volunteer & In-Kind Needs: After school tutors K-12 Window painting Books for children or adults Sign for the center’s front lawn (see us for details)	Donate
	Child Development Centers of the Bluegrass $500 Match – Anonymous Donor What we do: CDCB provides early intervention and preschool services for children with and without disabilities ages 6 weeks to five. We provide excellent child /teacher ratios in an inclusive classroom setting. We believe all children, with and without special needs, are unique individuals who develop at their own pace and need a supportive, challenging environment. CDCB is nationally accredited by the National Association of the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and has a 4-Star rating from the STARS for Now Initiative. Why we’re great: Children who receive quality early intervention need fewer interventions later in life and have less instances of failing when they enter school. Investing in early intervention offers long-term benefits by helping to prevent or reduce the need for remedial and rehabilitation programs later in life. The children who do not receive therapy services benefit as well; they take with them a lifelong experience of making friends with and having empathy for children with disabilities. Volunteer & In-Kind Needs: Art Materials Administrative/Classroom Volunteers Paper Goods, Books	Donate
	FoodChain $500 Match – Holly Hill Inn ($250) & Whole Foods ($250) WHAT WE DO: We are reimaging the local food economy by providing education and demonstration of cutting-edge, sustainable food production and processing in indoor urban spaces. We add new energy to Lexington’s Northside by growing fresh food year-round using innovative techniques with the help of community members. We work with new food entrepreneurs of all ages to help them find their place in a rapidly developing local food scene. WHY WE’RE GREAT: We are the only nonprofit in the state that links indoor spaces and agriculture by sustainably cultivating fish, greens, mushrooms, and more inside. By partnering with local institutions and experts, we have the knowhow and determination to make this one-of-a-kind facility flourish. For donors looking for an excellent return on investment, FoodChain has low overhead costs. Contributions go directly towards the construction and programming of our indoor food systems. VOLUNTEER & IN-KIND NEEDS: • Plumbing Service • Concrete block • Induction Light fixtures • Accounting assistance	Donate
	International Book Project $500 Match – Matt & Rachel Lewis What we do: The International Book Project empowers communities by providing free and equal access to knowledge through books. IBP connects donors in the US with its book-recipient partners in schools and libraries throughout the developing world and in areas of need in the US. With a focus on sustainable self-development, IBP builds global partnerships that foster cultural understanding and bring people together for common goals. Why we’re great: So many teachers in rural communities struggle to educate by word-of-mouth only, without pictures of spaceships, sharks, or other exciting subjects to truly satisfy a child’s curiosity. With our supporters, IBP provides the resources they need. As our partners and book recipients work to promote a culture of reading, they are also opening doors for children, giving them the opportunity to learn about the world from detailed descriptions and photos on a page. Volunteer & In-Kind Needs: Donate your gently-used, good-condition books Volunteer to help sort, shelve, and pack books Host a book drive Visit our webpage for up-to-date in-kind requests	Donate
	Midway College $500 Match – Graviss McDonald’s Restaurants, Joe and Debbie Graviss What we do: Midway College, located in Midway, Kentucky, is a private, non-profit liberal arts college founded in 1847 as the first school in the U.S. to serve orphaned and disadvantaged women. As Kentucky’s only college for women and as a forerunner in coeducational adult accelerated learning, Midway College empowers undergraduate, graduate and professional students as leaders through a professionally-oriented liberal arts education. Many programs are offered in an accelerated format where students attend classes one evening per week or online anytime. Why we’re great: Midway College is celebrating its 165th anniversary this year and has reached an enrollment of 2,400 students–an all-time record well beyond the original vision of the institution. Midway College has achieved its goal of excellence in education, providing advanced instruction in a broad range of subjects based upon a strong liberal arts curriculum.	Donate
	New Opportunity School for Women $1000 Match – Anonymous Donor ($500) & Bill Sliwa ($500) What we do: The NOSW’s mission is to improve the financial, educational, and personal circumstances of low-income, middle-aged women in the Appalachian region. Twice a year women spend three weeks in a residential program participating in classes on self-esteem, computer basics, leadership development, basic math, Appalachian literature, domestic violence awareness, public speaking, advanced education preparation, job skills, and internship placement. Room and meals are provided at no cost, and grants for travel and childcare are made available during the session. Why we’re great: The NOSW is a “hand up” that transforms the lives of the women we serve as well as their families and communities. After 25 years of serving women in Appalachia, we have over 600 graduates with 79% employed, in school or both, and 80% have completed higher education, including Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees as well as other programs. Volunteer & In-Kind Needs: Laptops or Desktop PCs Women’s Professional Attire/Shoes/Accessories Office Supplies Bedding	Donate
	Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence $500 Match – Stu & Kathy Siberman What we do: The Prichard Committee provides an independent citizens’ voice advocating for improved education for all Kentuckians. We do this primarily by keeping the public, elected officials and educators informed about leading education issues; conducting research, analyzing education issues and recommending improvements; speaking out for better education; and engaging parents, civic and business leaders in efforts to improve Kentucky’s schools. Why we’re great: The Prichard Committee has been mobilizing citizens to promote better education since 1983. During that time, Kentucky has moved from the bottom of the barrel to the middle of the pack among the 50 states in national measures of academic achievement, reform strategies, finance and indicators of a child’s chance for success. Volunteer and In-Kind Needs: Business sponsors for newsletter or annual meetings Business sponsors for Commonwealth Institute for Parent Leadership training Volunteers with marketing and social media experience	Donate
	Reading Camp $750 Match – The Duvall Family 100% of all donations from donors age 35 adn younger, up to $750 What we do: Reading Camp offers intensive remedial literacy instruction to low-income, struggling 2nd – 4th graders in central Kentucky through day and overnight summer camps. Campers receive personalized instruction with certified teachers in phonics, reading, comprehension, and writing. In the afternoons, adult mentors and young adult counselors join the children in activities designed to teach new skills and instill confidence, including swimming, rappelling, caving, crafts, environmental education, fine arts, science and more. Why we’re great: A child’s ability to learn to read well is directly affected by non-cognitive skills and other factors, including self-esteem, confidence, access to reading materials and non-formal learning opportunities. RC immerses each child in a creative, text-rich environment with encouraging mentors who help each camper learn to read and love to learn. We promote emotional and social skills development in concert with the literacy learning process. Volunteer & In-Kind Needs: Books, pre-K through grade 6 Summer volunteers in Kentucky, the country, Cameroon and South Africa Office help	Donate
	The Race for Education, Starting Gate Program What we do: The Starting Gate is a college readiness and literacy program designed to engage middle school youth. The Starting Gate introduces study skills, post secondary preparation, and imparts the value of continued education. The Starting Gate provides a safe and supportive environment; activities which encourage literacy skills and social interaction; provides each student with the opportunity to explore new interests; encourages students to think about their future; and assists students in achieving their personal best. Why we’re great: Outcomes of our program include improved GPAs, increased school attendance, and a reduced likelihood of involvement in negative pastimes. In order to provide our students with more personalized support, each classroom is staffed with a certified teacher and two to four teaching interns. We offer our college interns a $1000 scholarship in exchange for their assistance in the classroom. Volunteer & In-Kind Needs: Tutors to assist in the after school setting Volunteers to chaperone field trips Laptops Field Trips	Donate
	Visually Impaired Preschool Services $500 Match – Ward, Hocker & Thorton What we do: We help children, birth to five, who are blind and visually impaired. Teachers travel to each child’s home showing parents how to help their baby roll over, sit up, and crawl. Take away vision and you take away a baby’s motivation to move and learn. Visual impairment affects every aspect of a child’s development, and our teachers find ways to help each VIPS child prepare for preschool or kindergarten. Ultimately we want them to be independent, capable adults. Why we’re great: VIPS was the first and continues to be the only agency in Kentucky dedicated to meeting the early intervention needs of young children with visual impairments. Our certified teachers thoroughly understand a child’s development and the impact a visual impairment will have on a child’s education. Many times they are able to help children with visual impairments reach kindergarten on the same developmental level as their sighted peers. Volunteer & In-Kind Needs: Volunteers for special events Facility for preschool Supplies for various family events Volunteers to help us raise awareness	Donate
	Win The War! Against Violence $500 Match – Vivian Flynn What we do: Our mission is to help substantially reduce violence through education. Our special focus is on youth violence. We teach the power of a youth’s individual one-of-a -kind identity, the good principles in life and how to apply them. We believe violence must be reduced by voluntary means to move the dial significantly in a positive direction. All youths are equal in this fight against violence and all will equally reap the benefits of a more peaceful environment. Why we’re great: All our educational initiatives are free to schools and youth groups. They are not Political, Financial, Religious or Judgmental in nature. Why should youth not do violence? Because it is in their self interest without being selfish and that is a rare and very good thing. We encourage and issue “A Moral Challenge” to youths to join the biggest and greatest team of all time, peaceful people. Volunteer & In-Kind Needs: Volunteers to be “Moral Kid Mentors” for our Youth Violence Prevention Presentation called “A Moral Kid.” Audio and Video Volunteers to help document “A Moral Kid” Program and help get the word out to other youths around the county.	Donate

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GoodGivingGuide 2012 BLOG

December 21, 2012

Week 9: The Salomon & Company Challenge: Salomon & Company, a locally owned and operated firm specializing in financial planning, will award $1000 to the nonprofit who has the most REPEAT donors giving $25 or more during the week of December 24. The Challenge runs from 8:00 a.m. Monday, 12/24/12 to 11:59 p.m. Sunday, 12/30/12. A repeat donor is anyone who made a donation of $25 or more prior to the start of this final challenge. A donor can only be counted one time during the week of the Salomon Challenge. There’s no friend like an old friend!

December 18, 2012

The numbers are in and it is official. On December 17th, you gave $101,571 and we were able to secure the $30,000 Knight Foundation matching grant. Thanks for your donations Lexington! You are amazing. Let’s reach our goal of $400,000 by December 31st. We’re so close!

December 13, 2012

The $30,000 Knight Challenge. On Monday, Dec. 17 from noon to midnight, individual donations from $10 to $1,000 are eligible for a 50 cent match on every dollar donated until the $30,000 match pool is exhausted. Eligible donor contributions cannot exceed $1,000 per nonprofit. All qualifying gifts must be made through www.goodgivingguide.net.

This matching grant opportunity is made possible through the generosity of the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation of Miami, Florida, which has a long history of partnering on community projects with Blue Grass Community Foundation.

Congratulations to Lexington Rescue Mission and Central Kentucky Radio Eye, winners of the Evalyn and Lilla Barnwell Challenge. This Challenge awarded two grants of $750 each to two human services nonprofits with the most donors age 35 and under giving at least $25 during the week of Dec. 3. One grant was for a nonprofit with a budget over $500,000, and the other with a budget under $500,000. We can be proud of central Kentucky’s young people!

December 12, 2012

It’s a good day to GIVE! The Council of State Governments 12.12.12 Challenge. The CSG, a nonpartisan organization that seeks to empower state leaders to achieve excellence in governing, will award $1,212.12 to the nonprofit that receives the most money from noon to midnight today (Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2012).

December 11, 2012

All Week..the week of December 10, get a cup of coffee, mention your favorite GoodGiving Challenge nonprofit, and put that nonprofit in the running to win 6% of sales from four local coffee shops.

Participating Coffee Shop:Common Grounds Coffee House, 343 E High St, Lexington, Daily Grind, 4772 Hartland Pkwy, Lexingto, The Hub Coffee Shop and Café, Lexington Public Library, 140 E Main St, Lexington, The Hub Coffee Shop and Café, 236 W Main St, Danville

December 11, 2012

Congratulations to Carolyn Gilles, winner of The Mulberry & Lime Challenge. Carolyn has won a catered dinner party for 8 at Mulberry & Lime, 216 N. Limestone, Lexington, with catering provided by Dupree Caterers, and wine provided by Wines on Vine.

Chef Carolyn Gilles’ winning donation was made to Seedleaf in honor of The Wholesome Chef. Winners were selected at random from all donors who give $100 or more between 8:00 a.m. 11/26/12 and 11:59 p.m 12/2/12. Looking for one of a kind gifts this holiday season? We encourage everyone to visit Mulberry & Lime in the beautiful, historic Matthew Kennedy House in downtown Lexington, 216 N. Limestone.

December 5, 2012

Calling all friends in the Lexington area to EAT CHICKEN today!! Cane’s Chicken Fingers is donating 6% of all sales at any of its central Kentucky locations today to the GoodGiving Challenge! Please help us by supporting a local business making a difference in our community!

November 30, 2012

Help us reach halfway today. Today marks the halfway point in the timeline of this year’s challenge, but we are a little shy of halfway to our fundraising goal of $400,000.

Help us reach $200,000 today!

Congratulations to the WEEK 3 LexArts Challenge grant winners. Historic Paris-Bourbon County Hopewell Museum won the most the most total donations. Living Arts and Science Center won the most new donors. Each of these organizations will receive a $1000 award to add to their totals.

November 26, 2012

Week 5 – Beatty Youth & Education Challenge. The Anthany and Eunice Beatty Family Foundation at BGCF will award a $1000 grant to the nonprofit in either the Education or Youth Category with the most unique donors making donations of $25 or more between 8:00 a.m. 11/26/12 and 11:59 p.m 12/2/12.

But wait–there’s more! Anthany and Eunice Beatty will also donate two UK basketball tickets for the Saturday Dec. 8 game to a donor drawn at random from all those who give $25.00 to an organization in either the Youth or Education category this week.

Week 5 – Donor Challenge

The Mulberry & Lime Challenge. Mulberry & Lime will provide a catered dinner party for 8 at its store at Mulberry & Lime, 216 N. Limestone, Lexington, for a donor drawn at random from all those who give $100 or more between 8:00 a.m. 11/26/12 and 11:59 p.m 12/2/12. Catering by Dupree Catering and wine by Wines On Vine. Set in the beautiful, historic Matthew Kennedy House in downtown Lexington, Mulberry & Lime sells unique gifts and eclectic home furnishings. Be sure to tell all your friends to visit and support businesses like Mulberry & Lime that are so generously supporting our local charities.

Congratulations to CASA of Lexington winners of the last week’s challenges. CASA of Lexington is the winner of the Savane Silver challenge for week 4 with the most unique donors giving $25 or more. They had 57 donors/donations that met the criteria. They also received the 1967^th donation and so they are the winners of a grant from BGCF for $1,967

November 19, 2012

One prize of $1,967 Will be awarded to the nonprofit that receives the 1,967th donation… 1,967th Donor Random Prize celebrating Blue Grass Community Foundation’s 45th Anniversary and Founding Year, 1967.

We are currently at 1904.

Week 4 – Savané Silver Challenge. Savané Silver will donate 10% of its sales between 8:00 a.m. 11/19/12 and 11:59 p.m. 11/25/12 to the nonprofit with the most unique donors making donations of $25 or more. Nonprofits—get the word out! Encourage everyone in your network to check out Rachel Savané’s stunning, unique jewelry at her store at 130 N Broadway in downtown Lexington or at http://www.savanesilver.com/index.php. The greater the sales, the bigger the grant!

November 15, 2012

Congratulations to Bob and Sara DeMuth. They donated last week and won the Thanksgiving Dinner for 8 from Selma’s Catering. Many Thanks to Selma’s Catering and all of our donor prize sponsors. If you need catering this holiday season, you know who to call. http://www.selmascatering.com/

November 12, 2012

Week 3 –The LexArts CHALLENGE. LexArts will award $2000 in grants to organizations in the Arts & Culture category: $1000 to the nonprofit with the most new donors and $1000 to the nonprofit with the most total donations between 8:00 a.m. 11/12/12 and 11:59 p.m. 11/18/12. If the same nonprofit has both the most new donors and total donations, the second $1000 award will go to the nonprofit with the second highest number of new donors.

November 5, 2012

DONATE THIS WEEK AND WIN THANKSGIVING! If you donate between noon today and 11:59pm Sunday November 11 you can win a Thanksgiving dinner for 8 from Selma’s Catering that includes a 12-14 lb. fresh Amish Turkey, Homemade gravy, Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Creamy Corn Pudding, Cornbread Stuffing, French Style Green Beans blanched and tossed with sea salt, olive oil, toasted pine nuts and onions, Yeast Rolls, Bourbon Pecan pie and Pumpkin Pie. It will be delivered on Wednesday November 21

This is what last year’s winner had to say... ” I wanted to thank you so much for the fabulous Thanksgiving meal! It was truly a highlight to our day. The turkey was so moist, the mashed potatoes were amazing, I have never had a better corn pudding, and the bourbon pecan pie was to die for. My husband and I cook a lot and are known for doing a good job cooking. The other participants at this feast were a bit apprehensive about having a caterer prepare this meal (I found this out after the meal). We were all ecstatic with the meal. If we ever need another meal catered, Selma, we know where to go.” -Viv.

November 5, 2012

Congratulations to the final THREE remaining nonprofits to win the Blue Grass Community Foundation 45^th Anniversary Quick Start Challenge! The organizations listed below have met all of the qualifications for the $4,500 grant to an endowment fund at the Community Foundation.

Paris-Bourbon County YMCA,

Friedell Committee for Health System Transformation, Inc.,

Paris Animal Welfare Society, Inc. (P.A.W.S.)

November 3, 2012

Congratulations to the first SEVEN nonprofits to win the Blue Grass Community Foundation 45th Anniversary Quick Start Challenge! The organizations listed below have met all of the qualifications for the $4,500 grant to an endowment fund at the Community Foundation. THREE more spots left!

Bluegrass Domestic Violence Program, Bluegrass Rape Crisis Center, Lexington Fairness, Lexington Philharmonic, Living Arts and Science Center, Prichard Committee, Shoulder to Shoulder

And don’t forget to remind all your friends to patronize the West Sixth Brewing Company (501 W Sixth St., Lexington). The Brewing Company will donate 6% of its sales from 11/1 to 11/6 to two nonprofits with the most supporters at the Launch party. That prize will be evenly split between two nonprofits—one with a budget more $500,000, and one with a budget less than $500,000.

November 1, 2012

The 2012 Good Giving Guide Challenge is on! Donate Now. Each nonprofit is competing for more than $60,000 in prizes based on your donations. Don’t forget, there are some great donor incentives for you too!

October 30, 2012

The GoodGiving Guide Challenge kicks off at 8AM on November 1st. Give early and help your favorite nonprofits win early-bird grant prizes. Plus, there are great rewards for this year’s donors. Be sure to check out the great stuff you get when you give. Check out the this year’s digital GoodGiving Guide here.

Raised for Local Non-Profits

Education

GoodGivingGuide 2012 BLOG

Calling all friends in the Lexington area to EAT CHICKEN today!! Cane’s Chicken Fingers is donating 6% of all sales at any of its central Kentucky locations today to the GoodGiving Challenge! Please help us by supporting a local business making a difference in our community!

November 1, 2012

October 30, 2012