Give Local Bay 2026 is expected to be the biggest yet
Give Local Bay, a 24-hour fundraiser with a proven track record, takes place on May 5. This year, a record number of Bay and Arenac county agencies are part of the annual event.
This article is part of an ongoing Inspiring Generosity series highlighting people, agencies, and programs the Bay Area Community Foundation supports.
Give Local Bay – set for May 5 this year – has blossomed into a proven fundraiser for nonprofit organizations in Bay and Arenac counties.
Since the Bay Area Community Foundation debuted the 24-hour fundraiser in 2015, it’s raised more than $1.55 million. In 2025 alone, the fundraiser netted a record-setting $260,483.
“Give Local Bay continues to reflect the incredible generosity and commitment of our community,” says Shawna Walraven, President & CEO of the Bay Area Community Foundation.
“Year after year, we see residents, businesses, individuals, and organizations come together to strengthen local nonprofits that provide essential services across Bay and Arenac counties. Reaching over $1.55 million in total impact since 2015 is a testament to what is possible when a community invests in itself.”
Beneficiaries echo Walraven’s thoughts. Shannon Forshee, Executive Director of Camp Fish Tales in Pinconning, calls the fundraising effort a vital event for her organization.
“Through Give Local Bay, Camp Fish Tales gains vital community support — helping create unforgettable, confidence-building experiences for individuals of all ages and all abilities,” Forshee says.
You’re invited to see your dollars in action during the Camp Fish Tales Spring Open House from noon to 2 p.m. on May 9. Guided tours, lunch, and family-friendly activities all are part of the open house, Forshee says.
The annual Give Local Bay event provides an opportunity for community members to support their favorite agencies and causes. Donors also see their gift magnified through matching dollars.
Each donation received that day makes the recipient eligible for incentive money. The incentives move the receiving organizations more quickly toward building endowments and responding to the community’s immediate needs.
The 2026 event already looks like it could reach new highs.
A record 70 agencies registered for the 2026 campaign. The Give Local Bay match pool continues to grow, further amplifying donor impact on the giving day. The 2025 match pool totaled $33,500. The 2026 match pool had already reached $40,000 in early April.
New this year is a Boost Bash, a community celebration and fundraiser presented by Tri-Star Trust. The event takes place from 5 to 7 p.m. May 5 at the Pere Marquette Depot’s 1904 Room, 1000 Adams St. It features live music, refreshments, and real-time updates on fundraising totals and prize announcements. Proceeds from ticket sales support the match pool. Tickets are available online.
“Give Local Bay is more than just a giving day. It’s a powerful opportunity to connect our community with missions that matter most,” says Nicole Horn, Donor Relations and Communications Officer at the Bay Area Community Foundation.
“From early planning through the final moments of the campaign, we see firsthand how collaboration between nonprofits, donors, and sponsors creates a meaningful, lasting impact. Each year builds on the last, and the continued growth of participation and support speaks volumes about the strength of our communities.”
There’s more than one way to be part of the event:
- Buy a ticket to attend Boost Bash.
- On May 5, visit www.givelocalbay.org and donate to one of the organizations listed.
- Support your favorite organization by helping it win incentive money through a series of contests. The contests include who scores the first $100 donation or who can get the most supporters to post selfies on social media. The full list of contests is detailed here. Prizes total $2,750, made possible through community sponsors and donors including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, business sponsor contributions from MCI Insurance, Consumers Energy, Standish Family Dental Center, HighRoad Wealth Management of Raymond James, and the Jerome and Annette Crete Family Fund. In addition, the Bay Area Community Foundation’s Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) adds value, with $15,000 in YAC contributions supporting student engagement initiatives and a video contest designed to promote awareness about the participating agencies.
- Vote for your favorite student video. Participating schools adopted nonprofits through a student-led selection process. Next, National Honor Society groups will produce promotional videos highlighting the selected organizations. Public voting will determine winners in a video contest held during Give Local Bay, with prize awards ranging from $250 to $4,000. Of the $15,000 contributed by YAC, $10,000 is allocated toward video contest prizes and $5,000 supports student incentive funding.
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