SANDPOINT — It is time for nonprofits to register for the state's largest day of online giving — Idaho Gives.

Last year, Idaho Gives raised nearly $1.4 million for Idaho nonprofits statewide, exceeding the $1.2 million goal. This year’s goal is set at $1.5 million, according to a statement by Amy Little, president and CEO of the Idaho Nonprofit Center.

All 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Idaho were eligible for the event. Last year, 13 Bonner County organizations registered, some of which are ready to sign up again.

While the overall Idaho Gives campaign has a goal of $1.5 million, the individual nonprofits typically have their own goals to reach. Panhandle Animal Shelter has participated in Idaho Gives for four years, said Mandy Evans, the organization's executive director. Last year, PAS raised $1,200 and this year, she said, the goal is $5,000.

"This year, the donations will go toward our angel fund to help dogs and cats in need of extraordinary medical care," Evans said.

This will be the second year of official registration for the East Bonner County Library District. Marcy Timblin, the library's public relations specialist, said the goal this year is going to be 100 granite-level donors for a total of $500. Last year, she said, the library raised $2,317.17, though $2,000 of that was from one donor.

"Everything we raise is getting us closer to our $700,000 goal," Timblin said, referring to the money being raised for the library's remodel and expansion project that is currently underway. "At this time, we are less than $40,000 away from it."

The Sandpoint Area Seniors, Inc., is signing up again this year as well. Ellen Weissman, executive director for SASi, said they first participated in the event in 2015, raising about $400. While they didn't raise that much last year, Weissman said SASi did win $500 through the Idaho Gives Raffle.

While the day of giving takes place on May 3, registration opened Monday and it is important for nonprofits to sign up early, according to Little's statement. Nonprofits that register by March 15 will be entered to win the $500 cash prize. They’ll also have access to free resources, like toolkits and webinars, to guide them through building their Idaho Gives campaign.

In addition to the early registration incentive, the Idaho Nonprofit Center has eliminated their 2-percent fee from each donation. Instead, nonprofits will pay a small registration fee when signing up to participate, which goes toward promotion and advertising of the event statewide. This means that Idaho charities will be able to keep even more of the funds raised during Idaho Gives, Little said in the statement.

In the INC statement, Little credits strong sponsors, media and employer partners, and a better fundraising platform - GiveGab - for last year's successful campaign.

"We really listen to our nonprofits and our partners, and were very happy with our decision to switch to GiveGab last year," Little said in the statement. "We also think that reducing the overall transaction fees this year will please both our nonprofits and our donors. It’s all about putting more resources back into our communities."

Idaho Gives is underwritten this year by presenting sponsor, Idaho Central Credit Union, and champion sponsor, KTVB. Laura Smith, ICCU Director of Public Relations, has been a long-time supporter and board member of Idaho Gives.

"Here at ICCU, we love Idaho Gives because it’s a way to support, highlight and celebrate the nonprofits throughout Idaho and the wonderful ways they are contributing to the communities where we live and work," Smith said in the statement. "All the volunteers and donors who support the efforts of these organizations help to make Idaho an even more incredible place. We’re excited how much of an impact Idaho Gives can make this year."

Media sponsors statewide for 2018 include: KTVB/KTFT, KREM, KPVI, IdahoPTV, KLEW, Yesco, Impact Radio Group, Riverbend Communications, Locally Owned Radio, Blue Sky Broadcasting and KXLY.

Nonprofits have until April 15 to register, but only those that register by March 15 will be entered to win the $500 cash prize. Idaho Nonprofit Center members receive additional benefits, like reduced registration fees. To become a member, visit idahononprofits.org. Registration: idahogives.org.

Mary Malone can be reached by email at mmalone@bonnercountydailybee.com and follow her on Twitter @MaryDailyBee.