Give4Marion: Impact through giving

Lauren DeIorio, president and executive director of the Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County, right, and Douglas Cone III of Team Cone, left, count down a matching moment during Give4Marion in 2023. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette file photo.

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Posted September 10, 2025 |

Every year, Give4Marion emerges as an example of what happens when neighbors come together for a common cause. This 33-hour online giving event provides residents with a simple yet powerful way to support the nonprofits that make Marion County stronger, healthier and more resilient.

According to the Johnson Center for Philanthropy, research on giving days shows that these campaigns do more than raise money—they democratize philanthropy by encouraging gifts of all sizes, engage new generations of donors and help organizations tell their stories to wider audiences. Many communities across the country have seen participation double or even triple during giving days, underscoring their ability to build momentum and create long-lasting impact.

Here in Ocala, nonprofits like The Pearl Project use Give4Marion not just as a fundraiser but as a platform for awareness and engagement. Their trauma-informed programs provide vital support to foster and adoptive families, helping children who have experienced hardship find healing and stability. During Give4Marion, they connect with donors through creative outreach by offering local perks such as a cupcake for any contribution made during the giving campaign. These touches turn giving into a shared experience, reminding the community that even small acts of generosity can ripple into hope for children and families.

Habitat for Humanity of Marion County helps families achieve the dream of safe, affordable homeownership. Each home they build is more than bricks and mortar. It represents security, stability and an opportunity for future generations to thrive. The funds raised during Give4Marion fuel these efforts, ensuring that more families can break cycles of poverty and plant roots in neighborhoods they can proudly call their own.

The Marion County Children’s Alliance is another local agency that has far-reaching impact as it provides communication, collaboration and coordination among agencies and individuals who work with children and families.

“The alliance has taken part in Give4Marion since its inception. The awareness it brings to all the nonprofit organizations is invaluable and the funds we raise help support our programs and advocacy efforts for children’s issues in Marion County,” said Executive Director Beth McCall.

Love In the Name of Christ of the Heart of Florida, or Love INC, in Summerfield, has a mission of mobilizing churches to transform lives and communities.

“Every gift during Give4Marion fuels love stories: a single mom finding stability, a volunteer discovering purpose, a family experiencing the embrace of God’s people,” said Dana Parker, director of the local affiliate office.

“Give4Marion is more than a fundraiser—it’s 33 hours where love takes action. Last year, because of your generosity, Love INC raised enough to replace our roof, ensuring our doors remain open to neighbors in need. That gift wasn’t just about a building—it was about every life touched inside,” Parker shared.

In 2023, Give4Marion helped the nonprofit expand its life skills program, Journey, which helps families go from struggling to thriving.

“This year, your support will help expand and renovate our donations center, including adding a restroom for our volunteers who tirelessly serve with joy and depend on Love INC for community connection. It will also launch Welcome Home, our mission-wide initiative to give families a jumpstart toward safe, stable housing—a place where dignity is restored, children can sleep peacefully and hope takes root. Together, let’s make these 33 hours life-changing,” Parker stated

Trends across Florida confirm the power of collective giving. In 2024, Give Miami Day raised a record $39.5 million from more than 51,700 donors, generating over 109,000 gifts to support more than 1,200 nonprofits. This extraordinary outpouring of generosity shows what’s possible when communities rally together around a shared cause.

That same spirit of collaboration and generosity is alive in Marion County through Give4Marion, where every dollar given, whether $10 or $1,000, adds up to meaningful change for the nonprofits and those who need it most.

Give4Marion will take place on Tuesday and Wednesday, Sept. 16 and 17. This year will mark the sixth annual community day that is designed to bring together donors, businesses and nonprofits to strengthen Marion County through the power of collective giving.

Last year, the campaign raised more than $3 million for local nonprofits. This year, we hope to surpass that mark. Power Hour prizes will be awarded to nonprofits that complete specific challenges within the designated hour. Donors can take part in Matching Moments, when every contribution is matched dollar-for-dollar up to $100. Many nonprofits have secured their own matching gifts, giving each donation the chance to go even further.

Give4Marion is more than a fundraiser. It is a movement of generosity, a rallying point for our community, and a reminder that when we give together, we grow stronger together.

To learn more, go to give4marion.org