The Big Payback starts tonight, supporting hundreds of local nonprofits

NASHVILLE, Tenn (CLARKSVILLENOW) – For the past six years, the community has come together in May to support local and regional nonprofits through The Big Payback.

This annual, 24-hour event celebrates the spirit of giving, collaboration and the work done by Middle Tennessee’s many nonprofit organization.

The Big Payback is an initiative by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. This year’s event begins May 6 at 6 p.m. and will run for 24 hours.

This year, many Middle Tennesseans are facing uncertainty due to recent disasters, including tornado damage in March and the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The unfolding economic impact of these disasters has forced hundreds of organizations to slow down or put important work on hold at a time when they are needed most.

The Big Payback will held these groups feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, foster animals, provide education and much more.

Donors will be able to search and select organizations based on location and focus area. They can also support multiple nonprofits and make gifts of $10 or more.

Donations from the public will be boosted with additional financial prizes from sponsors of The Big Payback. An online leaderboard will track donations in real time.

This year, a record number of regional organizations have been busy preparing for the seventh annual Big Payback. A total of 988 Middle Tennessee nonprofits from 34 counties will participate this year, including 108 new organizations spanning 15 counties.

“Nonprofits do important, life-changing work every day across Middle Tennessee,” said Ellen Lehman, president of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. “Over the years, The Big Payback has become an opportunity for us to come together as a community to support their efforts and recognize the positive impact they have on our neighbors. It’s an easy and meaningful way for us to show our local pride, give back, and make an enormous impact in so doing!”

Over the past six years, The Big Payback has collected 115,890 donations from schools, religious institutions and charities, totaling nearly $17 million.

Last year’s event raised a record $4,106,182 for 964 organizations , surpassing 2018’s total of over $3.1 million in donations.

For more information, go to TheBigPayback.org.