Chico, California (July 19, 2010) – Contributions from local businesses and individuals are needed to provide $100,000 in grant funds for this year’s Annie B’s Community Drive. These funds will serve as an incentive for local nonprofit organizations to attract donations during the Annie B’s Community Drive, August 1 – September 30.

During the first three years of the grant program, contributions to local nonprofits through the Annie B’s Community Drive totaled nearly $3.1 million. These gifts were encouraged by the promise of an additional $100,000 each year from North Valley Community Foundation (NVCF), allowing donor’s gifts to make an even greater difference in the region. An anonymous donor has pledged $50,000 per year for five years to start this program. In 2007 and 2008, Co-Challengers contributed an additional $50,000, bringing the total grant pool each year to $100,000.

“Our Co-Challengers have expressed the tremendous value in giving through Annie B’s,” states Alexa Valavanis, CEO of NVCF.  “The Drive provides an opportunity to consolidate giving through one campaign that is open to all local nonprofits.  Annie B’s also encourages giving from community members, so that more people step up and support local organizations. In addition, increasing donations from the community helps ensure that nonprofits are not as dependent upon single revenue streams like grants and government funds.”

Co-Challengers make a contribution of at least $5,000 and are among a small group featured prominently in all Annie B’s publications, ads, and events and a mailing that goes to all 4000 donors. Co-Challengers are also featured during the Thursday Night Market Presents series at the Chico City Plaza on September 16.

Sponsors make a contribution of at least $1,000.  Sponsors will be listed in all promotional material, including Annie B’s advertising and a thank you that goes to all 4000 donors.  Sponsors are also featured during the Thursday Night Market Presents series at the Chico City Plaza on September 16.

“All nonprofit organizations in Butte, Tehama, Colusa and Glenn Counties are invited to participate,” states Valavanis.  “Simply go to our website, www.nvcf.org, and they can find instructions for participation, plus the on line application.”
The NVCF office is open Monday – Friday, 8:30am-5pm and by appointment.  NVCF is located at 3120 Cohasset Rd., Suite 8 in Chico, California, (530) 891-1150.  For questions regarding the Annie B’s Community Drive contact NVCF Annie B’s Coordinator at extension 23 or visit www.nvcf.org.

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