Last month, we participated in The Big Share, an annual online day of giving hosted by Community Shares of Wisconsin (CSW) to benefit the Council and other nonprofits across the state making a difference in our communities. Thanks to your support, we exceeded our fundraising goal, providing critical resources to continue our work helping the growing population of people who are blind or low vision in Wisconsin live their lives with dignity and independence. We raised $10,430 throughout the event while building new relationships with people and organizations across the state.
The Big Share 2026 was a big success thanks to the support of our generous donors.
- 100 donated to the Council this year, giving amounts ranging from $5 to $1,000.
- Nearly 30% of those who gave to the Council during the Big Share were first-time donors, illustrating that our influence is continuing to grow across the state.
- Nine donors decided to give in honor of someone meaningful in their lives through a memorial or tribute gift. This act means so much to everyone at the Council and shows just how much of an impact our work has on the lives of those we serve.
Several special giving periods throughout The Big Share helped us to reach our goal. During just one of the CSW Power Hours, when the Council was eligible to win additional cash prizes, we raised $1,225. During our Matching Gift Hour, Numbers 4 Nonprofits matched any gifts made, up to a total of $1,000. During this time, we raised $1,840 through both donors and our generous matching organization.
Several peer-to-peer fundraisers also helped us to meet our goal, with nearly half of all contributions to the Council coming through these campaigns. Our peer-to-peer fundraisers were current or former Council board members who helped elevate our work to their own personal networks throughout Wisconsin. Thank you to all our peer-to-peer fundraisers, who in total raised $5,145.
In addition to being a fundraising opportunity, the Big Share also helps us connect with new people who may not be familiar with our work. It gives us the chance to invite them to read our newsletters and find ways to get involved in their communities.
“The Big Share is a powerful way to elevate the Council’s work beyond our usual supporters,” says Executive Director Denise Jess. “The inclusion in Community Shares’ promotional efforts, including television and radio spots, and our robust peer-to-peer fundraising volunteers put the Council in front of those who might not otherwise know about us. More members of our community can learn about their neighbors, friends and peers who are blind and low vision and about the Council’s work towards greater inclusion and equity.”
Thank you to CSW for organizing The Big Share 2026, and to Numbers 4 Nonprofits for sponsoring the Council this year. And thank you to everyone who supported the Council in any way during The Big Share. Whether you were a new donor giving to the Council for the first time or are a longtime supporter, your gift helps the Council grow alongside the growing population of people who are blind and low vision in Wisconsin so we can build our capacity to meet the growing statewide demand for our services. Thank you!
The Big Share may be over, but you can support the Council year-round on our website at WCBlind.org/Donate.