Giving Challenge FAQ
Q. What is the Giving Challenge?
The 2026 Giving Challenge returns from noon to noon on April 15-16 for 24 hours of local giving. This exciting online giving day connects nearly 700 nonprofit organizations with passionate donors and community members to support diverse causes and create enduring impact in Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte, and DeSoto counties.
Q. When is the Giving Challenge?
The next Giving Challenge will take place on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at 12:00 PM through Thursday, April 16, 2026, at 11:59:59 AM.
Q. Can this be used as my Annual STAR or Youth Opera gift to Sarasota Opera?
Your gift to the 2026 Giving Challenge is best considered as an extra gift in support of Sarasota Opera. IRS rules prevent us from extending STAR or Youth Opera donor benefits and membership to Giving Challenge gifts. If you are considering renewing your STAR or Youth Opera gift or making a first-time STAR or Youth Opera donation, we encourage you to contact Sarasota Opera's development department at (941) 366-8450, Ext. 813.
Q. As a donor, can I receive a benefit for giving?
Donations in the 2026 Giving Challenge may not be made in exchange for goods, services, memberships, dues, tickets, or other services or benefits.
Q. May I designate how a nonprofit uses my gift?
All donations made during the Giving Challenge are considered unrestricted gifts to the nonprofit organization.
Q. Who can donate?
Anyone with a credit card and access to the internet.
Q. Can I make donations via a mobile device?
Yes! Simply visit www.GivingChallenge.org on your mobile device.
Q. Is there a minimum donation?
Donations of $25 or more are accepted on www.GivingChallenge.org and are 100% tax-deductible.
Q. Will my donation be matched?
To strengthen giving during the 2026 Giving Challenge (April 15-16), The Patterson Foundation (TPF) will provide a 1:1 match for all unique donations, up to $100 per donor, per organization made online with a credit or debit card.
There is no limit to the number of individual matches from unique donors a nonprofit organization can receive during the 2026 Giving Challenge.
There is no limit to the number of nonprofit organizations a donor can give to and still get matched.
A donor is defined as one individual. Individuals who are reimbursed by any funding source for making a donation are ineligible for matching. Nonprofit organizations are prohibited from donating to themselves.
Q. What is GiveGab?
GiveGab is a nonprofit giving platform that helps nonprofits to raise money, engage donors and manage volunteers quickly and efficiently. GiveGab offers a full portfolio of simple and easy to use products that allows organizations to function in a more streamlined manner. The GiveGab platform is the host for both the 2026 Giving Challenge and The Giving Partner.
Q. Do I need to create an account with GiveGab to donate to the Giving Challenge?
No. You do not need to create an account to make a donation. Your tax receipt is emailed immediately upon processing your donation. To claim a donation as a deduction on U.S. taxes, you should retain the donation receipt as an official record.
Q. Is the site secure?
Secure donations for the Giving Challenge are provided through GiveGab to each donor entering their own credit card information directly on the giving site.