Connect to a Cause

 

 

Questions about Connect to a Cause?

Colleen Walts

Development Officer

Contact Colleen right arrow

Connect to a Cause Returns on Thursday, September 17, 2026!

Since the launch of Connect to a Cause, we have witnessed incredible growth in community support, fundraising, and the collective impact we have made for local non-profits serving Lorain County. Each year, our donors and participating organizations come together to make a significant difference, and 2025 was no exception with a record-breaking $459,026 raised. Thanks to your dedication, we have raised over $1.9M in total for local causes, and we are just getting started.

100+ Nonprofits Unite for Connect to a Cause 2026!

Business Champions

Support Lorain County Non-Profits in 2026!

Business Champions are integral to the success of Connect to a Cause, and we invite you to join us as a champion for C2C 2026! By becoming a Business Champion, your organization will play a vital role in elevating the efforts of local non-profits and making a lasting impact on our community.

Business Champion levels include:

  • Finish Strong – $10,000
  • Raise the Bar – $5,000
  • Surprise! – $3,000
  • Show Me the $ – $1,000

Ready to make the commitment to support our community as a Business Champion for September 2026? Call us today at 440.984.7390

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Business Champion Benefits Include:

  • Recognition in promotional materials, event signage, and social media
  • Opportunity to present awards to non-profits
  • Company-branded prizes for non-profit fundraising efforts
  • Exclusive networking opportunities

If you are interested in becoming a Business Champion or want more details, please contact Colleen Walts, Development Officer, at cwalts@peoplewhocare.org or 440.984.7390.

Thank You 2026 Business Champions!

‘FINISH STRONG’ BUSINESS CHAMPIONS

‘RAISE THE BAR’ BUSINESS CHAMPIONS

‘SURPRISE!’ BUSINESS CHAMPIONS

‘SHOW ME THE MONEY’ BUSINESS CHAMPIONS

FAQs for Donors

Connect to a Cause is a community-wide day of giving created to support local non-profit agencies in Lorain County. All donations are coordinated by the Community Foundation of Lorain County and then disbursed to participating organizations following the day of giving.

  • There is no limit to the amount of money a non-profit can raise during Connect to a Cause. The number of donors is also not limited.
  • A minimum of 25% of the organization’s fundraising proceeds from Connect to a Cause will remain in each organization’s agency endowment fund.  The remaining donations will be given directly to the organization to support its mission.
  • A preliminary donation thermometer will be displayed on the gift portal website, with the final total announced at the celebration event on October 6th.

 

The easiest way to make a donation will be through the Community Foundation website at peoplewhocare.org by using a debit or credit card. However, other forms of payment are accepted as well.

  • Checks and/or cash donations must include the Check & Cash Donation Form and be postmarked by Thursday, September 17, or delivered in-person to the Foundation office by 8:00 PM on September 17.
  • Donor Advised Fund (DAF) and Individual Retirement Account (IRA) donations must include the DAF & IRA Contribution Form.  While the DAF/IRA check will come from the DAF/IRA administrator, a copy of the DAF/IRA donation form must be received by email by 8:00 PM on September 17.
  • While recurring donations are encouraged, only donations received on the Connect to a Cause day count towards the total. 
  • The minimum donation amount is $5.

 

We encourage donors to use social media to help support their favorite non-profit’s participation in Connect to a Cause. You can also build momentum by responding to the content posted on our Community Foundation pages. The hashtag #C2CLorainCounty will be the central “hub” for Connect to a Cause communication.

Community Foundation/Connect to a Cause Social Networks:

LinkedIn
@CommunityFoundationLorainCounty to tag
C2C hashtags: #peoplewhocare #causesthatmatter #C2CLorainCounty

 

 

There is no fee associated with participating in Connect to a Cause for the organization.  However, any donation made via credit card will incur processing fees of 2.9% plus $0.30.  We have implemented an option for donors to cover a portion of the credit card fee at a flat rate of 3%.

 

 

Community Foundation of Lorain County will acknowledge all contributions with tax receipts.  Automatic thank you emails with the tax receipts will go out to all donors who donate via credit card at peoplewhocare.org.  Donations by check will be acknowledged throughout the month of October.

Unless a donor makes an anonymous donation, donor information will be shared with the non-profits for their own, non-tax-related thank you letters.

 

For all inquires, please contact:

Colleen Walts, Development Officer
cwalts@peoplewhocare.org
440.984.7390