News Summary
The Greater New Orleans Foundation is launching GiveNOLA Day on May 6, a 24-hour online giving event aimed at raising millions for local nonprofits. This initiative, started in 2013, has collectively brought over $64 million in donations. With early contributions already exceeding $1.2 million, community members are encouraged to support various causes. The event includes incentives like the Lagniappe Fund and a community engagement activity hosted by the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, reaffirming the region’s commitment to philanthropy.
New Orleans – The Greater New Orleans Foundation (GNOF) is set to launch GiveNOLA Day on May 6, an annual 24-hour online giving event that aims to raise millions for nonprofits in the Greater New Orleans region. Since its inception in 2013, GiveNOLA Day has significantly boosted charitable donations during a traditionally slow month for fundraising.
This year, the event will kick off at 12:00:01 a.m. and run until 11:59:59 p.m. During this time, donors can contribute to many causes by visiting the GiveNOLA website. The early giving period started on April 28 and will continue until May 5. As of Monday afternoon, over $1.2 million had already been raised in early donations.
Last year, GiveNOLA Day saw impressive participation, raising approximately $7.3 million for various nonprofits in the region. To date, the initiative has collected over $64 million since its beginning, with the first event raising approximately $2 million. The continuous support from donors highlights a community commitment to philanthropy in New Orleans.
Participants can choose from a wide array of causes, including animal welfare, the arts, and advocacy efforts. This flexibility allows donors to support the issues they care about most, ensuring that their contributions directly benefit local communities.
Incentives for Donors
GiveNOLA Day includes special incentives to encourage even greater donations. One such program is the “Lagniappe Fund,” which provides additional funding that amplifies contributions to participating nonprofits. This feature enhances the impact of each donation and encourages collective giving.
Supporting Local Causes
Various prominent organizations have benefited from previous GiveNOLA Day donations, including the Second Harvest Food Bank, Youth Empowerment Project, ACLU of Louisiana, Turning Tables, and Northshore Food Bank. These organizations play vital roles in assisting the community across different sectors, such as food security, youth development, and civil rights advocacy.
Community Engagement Activities
To celebrate GiveNOLA Day, the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra (LPO) will host a Happy Hour event at The Broadside on May 6 at 6 p.m. This gathering will include live music features from the LPO String Quintet and student musicians, creating an enjoyable atmosphere for attendees while promoting awareness of the fundraising initiative. Ticket sales from this event will contribute to the orchestra’s educational and community engagement programs.
Additionally, GNOF manages over 900 charitable funds that support a wide range of causes, from housing and disaster relief to education and workforce development. The foundation’s ongoing commitment to the local community includes running a Nonprofit Leadership & Effectiveness Program to enhance the management and governance capabilities of local nonprofits. This initiative underscores the foundation’s dedication to strengthening the infrastructure that supports charitable organizations within the region.
Historical Context and Community Impact
The creation of GiveNOLA Day was partly in response to the slow donation trends typically seen in May, as many nonprofits rely on consistent funding throughout the year. The event has since become an essential source of funding, particularly in the aftermath of significant events such as Hurricane Katrina and the Gulf Coast Oil Spill, where community support was crucial in recovery efforts.
As GiveNOLA Day approaches, the excitement and anticipation build within the Greater New Orleans community. With a strong history of successful fundraising and a diverse range of causes to support, this year’s event promises to strengthen the ties that bind the community and enhance the resources available to those in need.
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Additional Resources
- WWLTV: GiveNOLA Day 2025 Nonprofit Donations
- Wikipedia: GiveNOLA
- My New Orleans: Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra to Host GiveNOLA Day Happy Hour Fundraiser
- NOLA Now: Greater New Orleans Foundation Kicks Off GiveNOLA Day
- Axios: GiveNOLA Day Charities and Philanthropy
Author: STAFF HERE NEWORLEANS WRITER
NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER The NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewOrleans.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as French Quarter Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Essence Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and Greater New Orleans, Inc., plus leading businesses in energy, healthcare, and education that power the local economy such as Entergy, Ochsner Health, and Tulane University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREShreveport.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
