December 5, 2025

Bluegrass Gives Surpasses $3 Million in Donations

Lexington, Kentucky, December 5, 2025

Central Kentucky’s Bluegrass Gives online giving campaign has reached a remarkable milestone, raising over $3.1 million for local nonprofits this year. With contributions from over 12,000 donors, the event highlighted community generosity and included $800,000 in matching funds to enhance donations. Bluegrass Gives has been a key player in supporting local charities since 2011, raising more than $29 million to date. Looking ahead, the campaign is set to continue its efforts in December 2026, encouraging further support for local causes.

Lexington, Kentucky – Central Kentucky’s annual online giving campaign, Bluegrass Gives, has achieved a historic milestone by surpassing $3 million in donations for the first time. The event, held on December 2, 2025, saw over 12,000 donors contribute more than $3.1 million to 234 local nonprofits. This success was bolstered by $800,000 in matching funds and prize incentives designed to amplify contributions.

Bluegrass Gives, formerly known as the GoodGiving Challenge, is an annual online giving event that makes supporting local nonprofits easy and enjoyable. Hosted by the Blue Grass Community Foundation in partnership with Smiley Pete Publishing, the campaign has been a cornerstone of regional philanthropy since 2011. Over the years, it has raised more than $29 million for local charities, with this year’s event marking a significant increase from the previous year’s total of $2.93 million.

The funds raised during Bluegrass Gives support a wide range of organizations focused on various causes, including feeding families, protecting natural spaces, mentoring youth, caring for animals, offering shelter, advancing the arts, and strengthening opportunities within the community. The event’s success underscores the region’s commitment to generosity and community support.

Sponsors such as the Hodgkin Family Foundation, Clark County Community Foundation, and the Marksbury Family Foundation played a crucial role in this year’s event, providing matching funds and incentives that encouraged increased giving. Their support, along with the participation of numerous local organizations and donors, contributed to the record-breaking success of Bluegrass Gives 2025.

Looking ahead, Bluegrass Gives plans to continue its mission of fostering generosity and supporting local nonprofits. The event is scheduled to take place on Giving Tuesday, December 1, 2026, with early giving beginning on November 25. Nonprofit registration for the 2026 campaign is expected to open in August 2026. For more information about Bluegrass Gives and to stay updated on future events, visit the official website at BGgives.org.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is Bluegrass Gives?

Bluegrass Gives is Central and Appalachia Kentucky’s largest online giving day, making it easy and fun to support local nonprofits. Hosted by the Blue Grass Community Foundation in partnership with Smiley Pete Publishing, this annual event has helped tens of thousands of donors invest more than $26 million in hundreds of local charities since 2011.

When is Bluegrass Gives 2026?

Bluegrass Gives 2026 is scheduled to take place on Giving Tuesday, December 1, 2026, with early giving beginning on November 25.

How can I participate as a donor?

Donors can participate by visiting the official Bluegrass Gives website at BGgives.org during the event. The platform allows you to browse and donate to participating nonprofits, track fundraising progress, and take advantage of matching funds and prize incentives.

How can my nonprofit organization participate?

Nonprofit organizations serving communities in Central and Appalachia Kentucky can register to participate in Bluegrass Gives. Registration typically opens in August each year. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) public charities with a GuideStar Gold Seal of Transparency and a physical location in the Blue Grass Community Foundation’s service area.

Where can I find more information about Bluegrass Gives?

For more information about Bluegrass Gives, including how to participate as a donor or nonprofit organization, visit the official website at BGgives.org.

Feature	Description
Record-Breaking Donations	Over 12,000 donors contributed more than $3.1 million to 234 local nonprofits.
Matching Funds and Incentives	$800,000 in matching funds and prize incentives were provided to amplify contributions.
Wide Range of Supported Causes	Funds supported organizations focused on feeding families, protecting natural spaces, mentoring youth, caring for animals, offering shelter, advancing the arts, and strengthening opportunities.
Community Support	Sponsors like the Hodgkin Family Foundation, Clark County Community Foundation, and the Marksbury Family Foundation played a crucial role in the event’s success.
Future Plans	Bluegrass Gives 2026 is scheduled for December 1, 2026, with early giving beginning on November 25.