Fee-Free Giving Platform Paves Way for Greater Community Impact November 22, 2023 The Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra is famous for delivering world-class musicianship to our local community. Since 1966, its highly talented musicians, featured guest artists, and composers have enhanced the Fox Cities’ cultural landscape with local access to live orchestral performances. In carrying out its mission to “enrich and nurture the human spirit through inclusive symphonic music and education,” however, the concerts performed by FVSO’s main ensemble only tell a portion of the story – and its ticket sales only cover a quarter of the organization’s endeavors. As FVSO Executive Director Jamie LaFreniere explained, there is a heavy reliance on donations. “With donations, we’re able to perform our season concerts, but also maintain three youth orchestras, visit area schools, and share programming for special needs students and adults in a music therapy setting,” she said. “Our donors make it all possible.” Finally, 100% Means 100% While grateful for the generosity of community donors, the FVSO, like many nonprofits, faced one unfortunate hurdle: online donation processing fees. On average, nonprofits lose $17.8 billion of donations every year due to fees. That’s real money, given in support of critical causes, that never serves its intended purpose. Longtime FVSO partner Community First Credit Union decided it was time to take action. With the help of NetGiver, a no-fee online donation platform, the credit union is now able to absorb the cost of processing fees, allowing local nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations to benefit from 100% of the donations they receive. Having incorporated NetGiver into its donation options earlier this fall, the FVSO has seen firsthand the benefit to both donors and nonprofits. “NetGiver is an easy, fast, and safe way for donors to make donations directly from their account,” said LaFreniere. “The interface is user-friendly on the giving and receiving end, and donations can be made with just a few clicks.” While not a replacement for a nonprofit’s existing giving platform, NetGiver provides a great alternative for those who wish to participate in fee-free giving. Even better, donors do not have to be affiliated with CFCU to take advantage of the option. Spreading the Love Further Hundreds of nonprofits have joined the FVSO in adding NetGiver to its online giving portal since Community First launched the option this past August, including over 70 in our neighboring communities. It’s a movement creating more opportunities with every dollar saved, from feeding the hungry to sheltering the homeless, honoring our veterans, supporting literacy, protecting the environment, and so much more. As for the FVSO, eliminating donation fees means strengthening their music education programs, bringing the gift of music to marginalized populations, and of course, expanding accessibility to live performances. “Community First is so good at giving back to the community, and they take the time to think about the needs of area nonprofits,” said LaFreniere. “For them to consider the cost of an interface like this just shows they know how we work, what is important to us, and what is needed for success.” Learn how you can give freely to your favorite charitable organization through NetGiver.