In Two Years, Thousands of Couples Have Raised Nearly $1 Million for National and Local Causes
As wedding season swings into high gear, JustGive(R) (www.justgive.org) provides couples with a popular, flexible alternative to traditional gift registries. JustGive is a national nonprofit organization that uses technology to increase
overall giving by connecting people with the charities and causes they care
about most. Since launching its Charity Wedding Registry in 2003, more than
1,000 couples have raised nearly $1 million for their favorite charities.
On average, couples raise close to $1,000 for causes selected from 1,000,000
possible charities across 19 specific sectors, including animals, community,
health and fitness, peace and women's issues. In some cases, couples have raised
upwards of $7,000 for local and national non-profit organizations. According
to JustGive, the average individual donation is $70, though its website is flexible
enough to accept donations from $5 to $5,000 - or more.
"Many guests on a budget find it unsatisfying - or embarrassing - to give
only one fork or one glass to the wedding couple as a gift," said Kendall
Webb, executive director and founder, JustGive. "With JustGive's Charity
Wedding Registry, guests can give the couple something meaningful, valuable
and personal that does not stretch their budget. We continue to be pleased with
the number of couples who rely on JustGive to offer gift options beyond toasters,
cappuccino makers and blenders. Many of our couples tend to be older or are
re-marrying. Since they often have less need for traditional gifts, our Charity
Wedding Registry provides them with a worthwhile option."
Based on donor behavior, JustGive has found that wedding guests often make
donations in addition to purchasing a gift because of a personal connection
with a certain charity, the satisfaction of donating to a good cause, as well
as the tax deductible benefits. Those who choose to make only a donation in
the couple's name often give more money to charity than they would have spent
on a gift.
"We chose the JustGive.org registry because it contained virtually all
of the organizations we feel closely match our own values. Combined, these groups
do more than we ever could individually to help foster compassion to animals,
the environment, and in our own lives," said JustGive couple David and
Randi. "It is clear to us that the health of animals, our planet, and human
beings are interconnected. In the end, we hope that our example will motivate
others to reconsider their priorities, let go of needs to constantly consume
(even if only temporarily), and give a little back to society."
JustGive's Charity Wedding Registry website (www.justgive.org/weddings/index.jsp)
provides couples with one convenient location to create and update their registry,
make changes or additions, view password-protected reports and share details
with guests. Additionally, wedding guests can personalize gift messages to the
couple with their donation. Couples are then alerted to new donations through
timely email notification.
About JustGive.org
JustGive (www.justgive.org) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission
to increase charitable giving across the United States by leveraging unique
technology to connect people with more than one million 501(c)(3) charities
representing the causes they care about most. JustGive offers services such
as charity gift certificates, a charity wedding registry and charity wish lists
to make giving a part of everyday lives.
JustGive deducts no administrative costs from the gift other than credit card
fees. All donations made through JustGive are tax-deductible, donor names are
never passed on without permission, and donors have the option of making anonymous
donations to charities. Donors can also keep track of donations made through
a customizable password-protected account area, a helpful feature around tax
time.
For additional information, please visit www.justgive.org.
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