San Benito County news and information source, BenitoLink.com, is preparing to kick off its second annual “Pledge of Champions” fundraiser this week. Good news came recently when the Community Foundation for San Benito County announced approval of a grant that will give the fundraiser a big boost.
BenitoLink, a nonprofit, is fortunate to start with substantial amount from the Community Foundation which donors will have the ability to match fully. The unique, community news website enterprise has successfully established itself as a widely used news and information source.
The Community Foundation recently announced the approval of BenitoLink’s grant application for its full request of $15,000 to be used as a match for the community-based fundraiser. The grant will double the amounts community members donate up to the $15,000 match level and help fund BenitoLink as an independent nonprofit 501(c)(3).
“We are so lucky to have the Community Foundation behind this project and without their support, San Benito County would not have the healthy and growing media platforms we have today,” said Leslie David, BenitoLink executive director.
BenitoLink has expanded in website users and page views each year:
Jan. 1, 2013 to Dec. 31, 2013 10,117 users 75,445 page views
Jan. 1, 2014 to Dec. 31, 2014 47,267 users 287,143 page views
Jan. 1, 2015 to Oct. 25, 2015 106,905 users 478,052 page views
Jan. 1, 2016 to Oct. 25, 2016 162,517 users 700,849 page views
The “Pledge of Champions” fundraiser will kick off with personal and online requests for individual donations. Donations will be accepted at the BenitoLink office at 829 San Benito St. in Hollister (95023), by mail, or online. Since January 2016, the community-supported website has operated independently of the Community Foundation.
“This matching grant is a vote of confidence from the Community Foundation, and it is a great example of the beneficial, just at the right moment type support they give local nonprofits,” said David. “We look forward to the challenge of the ‘Pledge of Champions’ as it is an expression of our community’s interest in dependable news and information.” CFFSBC funds will not be available until January of 2017, based on the foundation’s grant policy.
Over the coming weeks, business sponsors are being invited to join the Pledge of Champions and be recognized for their commitment to an informed community as are individuals interested in supporting the nonprofit news source.