Giving Tuesday Success: CSF raises over $41,000 for Youth Education

On Tuesday, November 28, 2023, the CSF enthusiastically participated in #GivingTuesday, a Global Day of Giving. Committed to fostering a spirit of generosity and philanthropy, Giving Tuesday has evolved into a worldwide movement, inspiring individuals to give back to their communities and champion causes close to their hearts. This year, the charitable momentum reached new heights at the CSF with compelling initiatives – a generous $20,000 matching gift and an additional $5,000 challenge, aimed at motivating donors to give in the later hours of the afternoon.

A meaningful feature of this year’s Giving Tuesday was the extraordinary $20,000 matching gift generously provided by an anonymous donor. This meant that every dollar donated during the Giving Tuesday campaign was met with an equal contribution, effectively doubling the impact of each generous contribution. The challenge provided generous donors with an opportunity to donate within a set time in order to unlock the gift.

The CSF aims to inspire children to value education and strive for success and compassion in life and acknowledges this would not be possible without the generosity of others. The support received surpassed expectations, with an outstanding $41,415 raised on Giving Tuesday alone. This remarkable achievement speaks volumes about the community’s dedication to supporting youth education.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed and helped exceed our initial goals. Your generosity ensures that the CSF can continue its vital work in inspiring the next generation. The impact of your support goes beyond the monetary value, reaching directly into the lives of children who are now better equipped to embrace education and pursue success.

Thank you for making Giving Tuesday 2023 a resounding success and for standing with us in our mission to create a brighter future through education. Your support makes a lasting difference in the lives of young learners, and we are immensely grateful for your commitment to our cause.

CSF Year-End Giving Recap: A Year of Impact and Generosity

Year-end is a season marked by reflection, hope and philanthropy, holding significant importance for the success of nonprofits. The majority of donations to nonprofits are typically received in the final quarter; December alone constitutes approximately 30% of annual contributions. This trend is mirrored at the CSF, making year-end a pivotal time for fundraising.

During this crucial period we urged our supporters to consider contributing to scholarships, participate in Giving Tuesday and contemplate funding substantial projects such as reading rooms and school endowments. These contributions will play a vital role in providing the necessary resources to fulfill our mission throughout the entire year of 2024.

Due to the generosity of many, in 2023 we were able to award our 11,049^th scholarship representing students in all 50 states and Washington, DC. Over $9 million has been paid out on behalf of scholars to date. In 2023 1,305 scholars were honored at six regional banquets, representing 482 new Carson Scholars and 823 scholars who received multiple year recognition.

The end of 2023 saw the opening of the 280^th Ben Carson/Think Big reading room. The reading room project provides an often-critical resource to schools – a place to relax and read a book self-selected by the student. Fostering a love of reading in a child is often transformational to the success of a student’s life.

As we bid farewell to 2023, we look to the future, understanding that these gifts empower us to sustain our crucial work in the coming year. We express our deepest gratitude for including us in your acts of kindness, recognizing that collaboration strengthens our collective impact. Your support during the year-end giving season contributes to the continued success of the CSF’s mission.