Islanders wishing to support some of their favorite Vashon nonprofit organizations can do so and  have their dollars go farther when The Seattle Foundation holds its first GiveBIG charitable giving day tomorrow.

Between 7 a.m. and midnight on June 23, online donations made to organizations registered with the Seattle Foundation will be increased with money from a $500,000 “stretch pool.” Donations will be matched on a percentage basis, said Mary Grace Roske of the foundation. If, for example, an organization receives 5 percent of the donations, it will receive 5 percent of the stretch funds.

Several Vashon organizations are participating, ranging from larger nonprofits such as Vashon Community Care and Vashon Youth & Family Services, to small ones, including the Baahause Animal Rescue Group and the Alliance for Tompotika Conservation. 

The benefits of the giving day extend beyond the extra money coming in with each donation, said Linda Milovsoroff, the director of development at Vashon Community Care. The timing of the day is valuable, too, she noted, as many people choose to give money at the end of the year, and summer can be a lean time for many organizations. Additionally, at VCC, budget cuts will affect the center’s skilled nursing and assisted living facilities in the coming months.

“Because of the state budget cuts and the impact they will have on VCC, donations are welcome now more than ever,” said Janelle Ansell, VCC’s administrator.

At Vashon Youth & Family Services, Director Ken Maaz noted the novelty of the GiveBIG concept, saying that fundraising is growing more and more sophisticated, as the number of organizations asking for assistance has increased and the economy has faltered. His organization has had a particularly busy year, he noted, and he expected to send an email to VYFS supporters, telling them about this opportunity. 

“We would welcome any contributions,” he said. 

In all, roughly 1,000 nonprofits are participating, according to Roske, including about 15 that are based on Vashon or serve people here. 

To donate, see www.seattlefoundation.org/GiveBIG, and type “Vashon” into the search window to find the Island’s participating nonprofits.