SANDPOINT — Nonprofits are gearing up for one of the most charitable days of the year, known as “Giving Tuesday.” 

The day, created in 2012, encourages people to give to local community organizations, especially nonprofits worldwide. Dig Chrismer, manager of storytelling and public relations for the Better Together Animal Alliance, said the event’s global reach is one of the most beautiful parts of the day. 

“There is power in all of us talking about it,” Chrismer said. “Having the weight of an international campaign like this and then being able to have the conversation locally, we hope will inspire people to give locally.” 

Chrismer said donations are the lifeblood of BTAA, allowing them to provide low-cost services to the community. This year for “Giving Tuesday,” a generous family has offered to match all donations made to the BTAA up to $30,000, allowing the organization to potentially double all donations made on Tuesday. 

“It’s fantastic, the match is great in that they know that ‘Giving Tuesday’ is a great motivator,” Chrismer said. “They really just want other people to be encouraged and motivated to have that same passion about a cause and we are so grateful.” 

BTAA isn’t the only local nonprofit participating, numerous organizations throughout the region will be raising funds on Tuesday. The Kaniksu Land Trust will be holding an open house from 10 a.m. to noon at Outdoor Experience to support the organization’s giving tree. 

The tree is one of 12 that can be found throughout downtown Sandpoint, decorated by local nonprofits. For $20 participants receive a passport, with the locations of the trees revealed, each purchase which will allow them to enter a giveaway to win the Idaho Club Tree on display at The Hive. 

Those who pay a visit to all 12 trees will be entered into a drawing for a $500 downtown gift package. All proceeds from the fundraiser go toward the participating nonprofits. 

Participating nonprofits are Food for Our Children, Love in Action Idaho, NAMI Far North, Creations, Bonner Homeless Transitions, Kaniksu Land Trust, UCAN, 7B Care Clinic, Panhandle Special Needs Inc., Community Cancer Services, Panhandle Alliance for Education and The Angels Over Sandpoint. 

"It’s a great opportunity to support your local businesses and also our local nonprofits,” Lelani Williams, the executive director of the Downtown Sandpoint Business Association said. “The Cedar Street Bridge has Creations, a nonprofit art studio, so their tree will help build more income and knowledge for them.”  

Another organization raising IdaHope Families, a faith-based nonprofit that supports families currently experiencing a time of crisis like temporary unemployment or homelessness. The organization said that the fundraising tool, Givebutter, will be providing a 1% match for all donations made on Tuesday, including those to IdaHope Families. 

Other organizations participating are the Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center, a nonprofit that educates and forecasts avalanches in the region. Donation links can be found on the participating organization’s websites and on social media posts on Tuesday. 

“Giving Tuesday is a great start to that giving season, and we are so grateful for the people who think of us every year,” Chrismer said. “When we help each other, we succeed together and it’s so important to continue doing that.”