Pop-up Giving Stations
Places to Connect, Collaborate, Come Together
In the coming weeks, nonprofits and community members from across our region will once again be celebrating a 24-hour online giving event known as the 2026 Giving Challenge. From noon to noon on April 15-16, the Giving Challenge will bring together about 700 local nonprofits with their passionate donors to support causes they care about while creating transformative impact.
This year, inspired by our community’s willingness to collaborate during previous giving days, several nonprofits are interested in participating in Pop-up Giving Stations. To maximize your organization’s creativity and collaboration, we have created a helpful guide to planning your Pop-up Giving Station.
***The online registration form for Pop-up Giving Stations opens Feb. 11, 2026 and closes March 11, 2026***
Pop-up Giving Stations
What is a Pop-up Giving Station?
A Pop-up Giving Station is a place for nonprofits of all sizes to come together and invite potential donors to personally connect with their organization during the 2026 Giving Challenge (April 15-16). Creativity is encouraged when planning how your nonprofit would like to connect with donors (e.g. entertainment, promo items). Official Pop-up Giving Stations will be recognized on the Community Foundation of Sarasota County and Giving Challenge websites.
Interested in hosting a Pop-up Giving Station?
If your organization is interested in hosting a Pop-up Giving Station, start with the following guidelines:
- Designate a Pop-up Coordinator.
- Pick a location with enough space. We would love to see as many organizations working together as possible (minimum of five nonprofits with current profiles in The Giving Partner and participating in the 2026 Giving Challenge). For your convenience, you can find a draft letter designed for potential venues, such as local businesses and chambers of commerce, that explains what the 2026 Giving Challenge is and how Pop-up Giving Stations work.
- Be prepared to provide tables and chairs for each nonprofit.
- Don’t forget about Wi-Fi.
- Be prepared for rain.
Does the Pop-up Giving Station have to be open the entire 24-hours?
No. The Pop-up Giving Station hosts may decide when they would like to be open during the 24-hour Giving Challenge.
How do I become an "official" Pop-up Giving Station?
If you would like to be included as a 2026 Giving Challenge Pop-up Station on the Community Foundation of Sarasota County and Giving Challenge websites, complete the online registration form between Feb. 12, 2026, and March 11, 2026. The registration form will be posted here beginning Feb. 11, 2026. Once your submission has been approved, information about your Pop-up Giving Station will appear on our websites in late March or early April 2026.
Each Pop-up Giving Station must have a minimum of five (5) nonprofits participating. Only one (1) online application should be submitted for each Pop-up Giving Station. Coordinate with the participating nonprofits who will be responsible for submitting your online Pop-up Giving Station application.
Is there a deadline to be an official Pop-up Giving Station?
Yes. To be included on the Giving Challenge website as an official Pop-up Giving Station, the online registration form must be completed by 5 p.m. on March 11, 2026. The registration form will be posted here beginning Feb. 11, 2026.
Who do I contact if I have additional questions about Pop-up Giving Stations?
If you have additional questions or would like more information, please send an email to GivingChallenge@CFSarasota.org.