The Power of Collective Giving: Spring2ACTion, Alexandria’s Annual 24-Hour Giving Day
“I don't sleep, I’ll be up at 5:30am, in the office by 7:30am, and up till 1am that morning,” said Brandi Yee of Spring2ACTion, Alexandria's annual 24-hour giving day. Everything runs online and it’s the perfect meld of nonprofits that have needs and donors who have resources coming together for the biggest day of philanthropy in Alexandria. It’s also a big community celebration with popup events happening at multiple spots across the city.
Since becoming more involved with Alexandria nonprofits, I had heard a lot about Spring2ACTion. I recently caught up with Brandi Yee, Chief Program Officer for ACT, at Tatte on King Street to get the scoop for myself and to share with those less familiar.
In between bites of an amazing lunch, Brandi shared, “It’s about the power of collective giving. We have 190 nonprofits participating and 85% are based in Alexandria. Every dollar that's raised supports the work in Alexandria. We (ACT of Alexandria) are one of the pioneers of giving days, and we’re in our 14th year. We have one of the biggest city-wide days across the country – and our city raises more than many states!” That’s pretty impressive.
She continued, “It’s a way for people to come together and celebrate the nonprofit sector. We’re at a critical moment as a lot of Covid relief money is running out, national and local elections are clamoring for people’s attention and there’s donor fatigue. Nonprofits are challenged to do more with less money. This event is about reminding nonprofits that we are here to support what they do every day.”
Many think of nonprofits in December with their year-end giving. Spring2ACTion is held in April to boost awareness when many organizations need it the most. On Wednesday, April 24, this giving day is social. There are many local businesses hosting different events, including Sweet Fire Donna’s, Swing’s Coffee, Del Ray Cafe, Wine Gallery 108 and more. View all events here.
Photos by: Mauricio Cordeiro Photography
How do you get started? Visit Spring2ACTion 2024 and search for an organization or multiple organizations to support. There is a cause for everyone: health, bikes, animals, environment, education, and so much more. Each nonprofit has a profile so you can learn about their mission. Minimum donation is $5, but give as much as you can. Some nonprofits also have sponsors who will match your donation. There’s a running tally on each page.
As I browsed, I was personally drawn to Friends of Guest House, for the hope and support it provides to women coming out of incarceration. I also admire the work of The Spitfire Club and the books and reading support it provides to girls in our community. As a writer and editor, I know it was my insatiable love of books as a kid that helped me escape dark days and led to a fulfilling career writing. Every book a child reads makes an impression.
During the kick off event I met Lisa Jacobs, Executive Director for the Alexandria Tutoring Consortium. She shared the work their organization does— providing over 500 tutoring sessions every week for students K-2. Funds raised through Spring2ACTion make a tremendous difference in helping more children learn to read.
ACT believes giving should be accessible for everyone, and they encourage students to participate and learn about the nonprofit sector through their Youth Council. The Youth Council was created for youth by youth, and includes 14 high school students. “They set the agenda, the recruitment process, the discovery projects and what causes they want to dive into. It’s also helping us learn about what Gen Z and young people care about,” said Brandi.
Spring2ACTion may also serve as a teaching moment for kids. Give them $20 and let them decide which organizations they want to support. It’s also amazing what an individual can do when it comes to fundraising. People will give because you shared the cause, its benefits and because you directly reached out and asked for help. Brandi shared the story of King Street Cats, a cat rescue that helps felines find forever homes, who raised over 50K in one day!
How far has Spring2ACTion come? “In 2011, our first year, we raised $104,156, with 1200 people who donated to 47 nonprofits. Last year, 2023, was record-breaking; we raised $2.96 million with help from 8,331 donors for 186 nonprofits.” Brandi rattled these numbers off easily and from memory!
So what does ACT of Alexandria do? ACT is a nonprofit that raises money for other organizations and amplifies all the amazing work going on around them. They bring people and resources together. They provide this platform for the community, and are also one of the nonprofits participating in this annual day of giving. You can add a small donation to ACT at the end. This will go to helping with grants and supporting the Youth Council.
Brandi describes the ACT team as, “Small but mighty. We’re seven women and we’re awesome!” ACT will celebrate its 20th anniversary this December. Brandi has been at ACT for almost 18 years. She grew up in California and after graduation moved to D.C. “I love this community, the small town feel, being able to see the impact in the work we’re doing, and meeting people that work together to solve community challenges. I’m so grateful for the incredible people I’ve met.”
So visit the site and do the research, and get ready to donate! There will be prizes awarded throughout the day. These include Power Hours, concentrated hours where ACT offers prizes for the greatest number of donors or dollars raised. This year the Power Hours are sponsored by Red Barn Mercantile, Penny Post and Pippin Toy Co. (who will also be donating 20% of in-store purchases on 4/24 to the Spring2ACTion nonprofit of your choice).
There are leaderboards online so you can follow the tally in real time. The site is open year-round and it’s a great way to search for a cause that interests you and learn more about the organizations raising money for it. Visit Spring2ACTion because every donation counts and makes an impact for our community!
