KEENE, N.H. – (MyKeeneNow) NH Gives, an initiative launched by the NH Center for Nonprofits, is a 24-hour online fundraising event designed to connect donors with local nonprofits, boosting excitement and support for the nonprofit sector throughout New Hampshire. This statewide effort provides a vital opportunity for eligible nonprofits to enhance their fundraising, reach new potential donors, and increase their visibility.

This year, 80 organizations from the greater Keene area have launched fundraising campaigns with NH Gives, including the Monadnock Humane Society, The Community Kitchen, MCVP, Feeding Tiny Tummies, MoCo Arts, Keene Senior Center, Hundred Nights Inc., Cedarcrest, HCS, Colonial Performing Arts Center, Arts Alive!, Stonewall Farm, Keene Family YMCA, Keene SwampBats, Keene Montessori School, Southwestern Community Services, Hannah Grimes Center, Sophia’s Hearth Family Center, Keene Pride, and the Historical Society of Cheshire County.

NH Gives, which this year was held from Wednesday, June 11, at 5 p.m. through Thursday, June 12, at 5 p.m., raised $3.47 million statewide, $311,000 for the Monadnock Region alone.

Among the participating organizations, Keene Housing Kids Collaborative (KHKC) stands out with a mission to build a foundation for successful adulthood for children in low-income households. Celebrating its ninth year, the Collaborative is dedicated to helping children reach their full potential and become economically independent adults.

For the first time, the Collaborative dedicated this fundraising effort solely to sending 200 children to summer camp. The organization raised $29,200 (which included matching funds from corporate sponsors) which will support just over 100 kids. These kids would not have this opportunity without community support.

With an average weekly cost of $250 per child for day camp, this initiative is crucial for children from low-income households, whose median annual income is $23,516, according to the organization’s website.

“At summer camp,” the site reads, “our kids develop life skills such as communication, collaboration, community-building, empathy, resilience, critical thinking, problem solving and work ethic – all while building healthy relationships with their peers and adult role models in a safe environment. These skills can be applied to gain academic progress in the classroom and to reach the milestones that will maximize their upward social mobility.”

Research shows a 6,000-hour learning gap between children from low-income households and their middle-class peers by middle school. The Collaborative aims to change this trajectory by connecting kids to quality community activities in the arts, academics, and athletics, paying tuition and participation fees, and providing a central point of contact for information and support.

Parental involvement is crucial to the organization’s model, empowering parents to provide their children with opportunities typically afforded to more affluent families.

This year, Keene Housing Kids Collaborative offers access to 19 unique day camps and 3 residential camps through their many community partners which include Camp Takodah, Keene Family YMCA, MoCo Arts, Stonewall Farm and Camp Squanto.