The day known as “Giving Tuesday” will take on a special meaning for Baton Rouge-area nonprofits this year, and it all starts right now.

Capital Area United Way and the Baton Rouge Area Foundation are partnering to put on a 24-hour online fundraising competition today, December 1, 2020—the Tuesday after Thanksgiving during which holiday shoppers are encouraged to turn their focus to charitable giving.

The program, known as “225 GIVES,” has a goal of raising $4.225 million for Capital Region nonprofit organizations. It follows in the lead of similar campaigns that have seen success in other cities around the United States.

“This year has been particularly challenging for Capital Area nonprofits as COVID-19 has caused widespread cancellations of major fundraisers at a time when nonprofit services are in higher demand, plus the compounding impacts of an active hurricane season,” said George Bell, president and CEO of Capital Area United Way. “We believe this digital fundraising initiative will be an impactful way to build community, connect donors to local nonprofits, encourage organizations to use social media, and generate excitement about our community.”

Get all the details on how to give at the 225 Gives website.