Grit Grind Give campaign encourages city-wide philanthropy

Jaclyn Suffel wants to bring community organizing flair to nonprofit work. She’s behind the Alliance for Nonprofit Excellence’s Grit Grind Give campaign, which encourages Memphians to donate to local nonprofits on Nov. 29.
 
Memphis’ chapter of Giving Tuesday is part of a national effort that follows the onslaught of Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
 
“We’re encouraging people to start the holiday season off with a spirit of generosity,” Suffel said. “It’s the perfect time to raise awareness to strategically help people create philanthropic behavior as a habit that they do year to year.”
 
Last year was Memphis’ first Giving Tuesday event. This year, Suffel has a host of new initiatives and partners—including Mayor Strickland’s office.
 
“We’re grateful for the Mayor’s support,” she said. “One of the things that makes Memphis such an incredible city is if you have a great idea that benefits the city, the doors are open for you.”
 
To promote Giving Tuesday, Suffel has partnered with the city-cheering 901 Rocks campaign. Volunteers have painted rocks to promote participating nonprofits. When people find a rock, they’re encouraged to learn more or donate to the nonprofit and then leave the rock for another Memphian to find.
 
To participate in Giving Tuesday, people can donate their time or money to a nonprofit of their choice or one of the Alliance’s 200 members. One hour of volunteering is worth $22 to an organization, Suffel said.
 
She also encourages people to post an “Un-Selfie” on social media to document their volunteer participation.
 
“This unites our nonprofits under one cause and banner and makes it easier for them to ask. It also primes the audience to receive that ask because they're prepared for it.”