Idahoans give big during Idaho Gives drive

A week of giving has yielded large charitable results from Idahoans and people and organizations from around the country and world.

Last week, 13,147 people donated more than $4.1 million during Idaho Gives week, a campaign run by the Idaho Nonprofit Center, which represents more than 9,000 registered nonprofits throughout the state.

In the 12 years since Idaho Gives has been in existence, $27.7 million has been raised. This year, according to the organization, people from 68 different countries and people from all 50 states have donated to the cause.

This year’s total donations are a special milestone, according to Kevin Bailey, CEO of the Idaho Nonprofit Center.

“We had been on the cusp of the $4 million mark since 2020,” he said. “It is a testament of the generosity of Idahoans and their dedication to their home state.”

Every area of the state held events to celebrate Idaho Gives to raise awareness and garner more support for nonprofits throughout Idaho.

“It’s always exciting to see the total amount raised at the end of Idaho Gives,” said Laura Smith, vice president of Public Relations for Idaho Central Credit Union, this year’s presenting sponsor. “But more impressive is the number of individual donors that came together to make it happen.”

Ada County raised more than half of the funds for 2024 at $2.8 million, with 322 organizations contributing. Blaine County raised the second highest amount at $290,025 from 38 organizations. And Canyon County raised the third highest amount at $197,819 from 38 organizations as well.

Other notable statistics for this year’s efforts are:

• 52 organizations had their entire board donate (a best practice that grantors usually ask for)
• 116 peer-to-peer fundraisers raised over $250
• $35,000 in cash prizes were awarded
• 654 organizations registered in 2024