Georgia Mountain Food Bank (GMFB) recently announced a new online fundraising feature that will allow supporters to raise money for the Food Bank, all from the convenience of their office or home. Individuals can sign up to host an online fundraiser on the Food Bank’s website and can start fundraising in just a matter of days. Online fundraisers are open to any individual, organization or business who is interested in supporting GMFB, either through a monthly campaign or a holiday service project.

The online fundraisers offer multiple features that help organizations and businesses promote their brand while also simplifying the process for measuring a fundraiser’s progress. Features include a custom-branded fundraising page, which can include a specific logo or image, as well as automated receipts, real-time fundraiser updates and ready-to-use social media posts and email templates that help individuals promote their fundraiser with friends, family and colleagues.

The Food Bank is extending a challenge to local businesses and organizations to host one online fundraiser a month. Their goal is to raise $25,000 by the end of 2017, an accomplishment that would allow them to provide nearly 125,000 meals to children and families in their five-county service area of Dawson, Forsyth, Hall, Lumpkin and Union Counties.

“Georgia Mountain Food Bank wants to make fundraising easy and fun,” said Kay Blackstock executive director at GMFB. “That’s why we have rolled out a mobile friendly fundraising platform that helps organizations of any size enjoy a simple fundraising experience that doesn’t require excessive amounts of time.”

She added that the Food Bank often sees an increase in service projects during the holidays and hopes the community will enjoy the convenience of the online fundraisers. Organizations and businesses can set their own campaign goals, including how much money they hope to raise and how long the fundraiser will run.

“Thanks to our partner agencies, we are able to make a $1 donation provide 5 local meals,” Blackstock said. “Every gift truly makes a difference, and we are looking forward to seeing the creative ways that our community can leverage these online fundraisers to support a local cause.”

Poly Enterprises, a Gainesville-based manufacturer of molded vinyl products, recently completed the first online fundraiser and touted the experience as being efficient and engaging for their team members. Over their one-month campaign, Poly Enterprises raised more than $3,000 dollars.

All proceeds raised from the online fundraisers stay local and help connect families and children with food and resources. To learn more about the online fundraisers, please visit gamountainfoodbank.org/fundraisers or call 770-534-4111.