By Isaac Nielsen

McCook Gazette

McCOOK, Neb. - Plans are already being put in place for the eighth year of the Big Give effort in McCook. Formerly named Big Give McCook, the event is now known as Southwest Nebraska Big Give. McCook Community Foundation Fund (MCFF) coordinator Ronda Graff says that the reason for the name change is that it “better encompasses who the project serves. While McCook has the most nonprofits participating in the Big Give, the day of giving has always included organizations serving southwest Nebraska. So Community Chest, which organizes the event, decided to make the change to recognize that all of southwest Nebraska benefits from the Big Give.”

Applications are now open for new nonprofit organizations to be part of Big Give. Prospective participants can visit swnebiggive.org to apply until July 31. Organizations must have 501(c)3 status and have a presence in southwest Nebraska to participate.

Southwest Nebraska Big Give is set for Thursday, Nov. 2, and includes 24 hours devoted to philanthropy to help area nonprofit organizations reach their goals.

The event is reinforced thanks to generous sponsors, which often match funds and incentivize giving with “Power Hours” held throughout the Big Give.

The lead gift has been given by the Graff Charitable Foundation, which donated $50,000 earlier this month toward the Big Give, but event organizers emphasize that “every donation - large or small - makes a difference.” Organizations and individuals who would like to help sponsor the Big Give can contact Melissa Stritt or Lisa Felker at MNB Bank (308)345-4240.

Due to the recent name change, Big Give has created a new Facebook page and website under its new name, Southwest Nebraska Big Give. Both pages will be up-to-date with information as the 2023 event draws closer.

Community Chest is a sub-account of the MCFF, which is an affiliated fund of the Nebraska Community Foundation.