In one day, North Texans donated more than $14 million to more than 900 area non-profits — through the Donor Bridge program of the Communities Foundation of Texas. The totals surpassed last year by $3.7 million and an additional 300 nonprofits benefited. What’s more, gifts came from 14 countries — including Kazakhstan, Nigeria and Finland.

The full release follows:

North Texans Topple Previous North Texas Giving Day Records By Donating 37,800 Gifts Totaling $14.4 Million to 900+ North Texas Nonprofits

DALLAS (September 14, 2012)—In a landslide day of giving in North Texas, this community showed its true stripes by donating $14.4 million in 17 hours to 900+ local nonprofits. North Texas Giving Day donations surpassed last year’s results by 35%, or an increase of $3.7 million, while the volume of donations made this year versus last year increased by 180%. Additionally, 300 more nonprofits benefited this year than last.

“We are absolutely blown away by the record-breaking generosity and goodwill of North Texans,” says Brent Christopher, Communities Foundation of Texas president and CEO. “This is a testament to the strength of our community and our shared desire to make North Texas the most viable, best place to live. We are humbled to say the least.”

This year’s event was worldwide, with donations coming from 14 countries (U.S., Canada, Austria, Brazil, Australia, China, Mexico, Kazakhstan, Great Britain, Germany, France, Nigeria, New Zealand, Finland.) Donations came from as far as 10,500 miles away, and from every state in the U.S.

At the time of this release, some prize winners are still being determined, but known winners include:

The 1929th donation – Dallas Symphony Orchestra, $10,000 thanks to The Dallas Foundation

The 2012th donation – United through Hope, $10,000 thanks to The Dallas Foundation

$1,000 “Golden Tickets” prizes granted hourly, thanks to Communities Foundation of Texas to Heroes for Children, The Samaritan Inn, Feed by Grace, TAG PTSA, Cornerstone Ranch, The Salvation Army DFW Metroplex Command, Mission Possible Kids, North Texas Food Bank, Girls on the Run, James L West Alzheimer Center, Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas, Arlington ISD Education Foundation, Big Thought, KERA, University of Dallas, Austin Street Center, and Meals on Wheels Inc. of Tarrant County.

“The magnitude of support nonprofits receive on this one day speaks volumes about how much North Texans care about their community,” said Center for Nonprofit Management president Cynthia B. Nunn. “Get Up and Give allows us to raise not only much-needed dollars, but also awareness of the important services that nonprofits provide.”

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About DonorBridge

Launched in 2009 by Communities Foundation of Texas with ongoing support from Center for Nonprofit Management  and The Dallas Foundation, DonorBridge is the most comprehensive and free public resource for connecting North Texas nonprofits and supporters. For supporters, DonorBridge simplifies the process of gathering reliable information about nonprofits and community needs, and making charitable donations. For nonprofits, DonorBridge and its annual North Texas Giving Day serve as another awareness-building and fundraising tool. DonorBridge profiles more than 700 nonprofits, and since its inception, has infused more than $19 million into nonprofits serving the 16-county North Texas community. www.donorbridgetx.org for more information, or www.facebook.com/DonorBridge or twitter.com/DonorBridge.

About Communities Foundation of Texas

Creating DonorBridgeTX.org and presenting North Texas Giving Day are two of the many ways Communities Foundation of Texas (CFT) serves as a hub for philanthropy in our community. As the largest community foundation in Texas and one of the largest in the nation, CFT works with families, companies and nonprofits to strengthen our community through a variety of charitable funds and strategic grantmaking initiatives. The foundation professionally manages nearly 900 charitable funds and has awarded over $1.2 billion in grants since its founding in 1953. www.cftexas.org

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