Freeborn County residents have the opportunity to have their donations to local nonprofits matched during a 24-hour span this week as part of an online giving program called GiveMN.

During what is being called “Give to the Max Day,” people can go online to www.GiveMN.org from 8 a.m. Tuesday to 8 a.m. Wednesday, look up their nonprofit agency of choice and then donate online. Every donation made will receive a portion of a $500,000 match.

In Freeborn County, any 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in the community could be available on the Web site to receive donations.

“It’s probably the easiest way to give,” said United Way of Freeborn County Director Ann Austin. “Everything’s going online right now, and it’s a way to really research where your gift is going.”

Austin said most of the nonprofit agencies in Freeborn County are aware of the program.

When people go to the Web site, they can read about the different organizations and find out more about where their money will be going. After the donations are made, people can go back in on the site and track their contributions as well, she said.

“It’s great because we’ve all come together,” Austin said. “We all want to see the community be successful.”

She noted that being able to give donations online may be a more appealing way for younger donors to give. Some people might be encouraged to donate more as well when they can give with a credit card that they can pay off over a series of months.

“We’re really excited about it,” said Freeborn County Historical Society Executive Director Pat Mulso. “This match is really great. When you think about it, everybody is going to benefit.

“We just hope people will take advantage of the opportunity and help stretch the opportunity that is available to us.”

People can donate as little as $10.

“Maybe a young family with a tight budget can’t give hundreds of dollars, but maybe they could give $10,” Mulso said. “So we’re excited for that.”

For the Historical Society specifically, donors have the option of giving money toward the building addition or for a general donation.

At The Children’s Center, for another example, donations will go back toward program costs, curriculum and supplies, said Director Kim Nelson.

“It will go to help keep the costs to the parents down,” she said. “It’s not going to go to salaries or administrative costs.

She said she is excited for the opportunity to partner with other agencies and get the word out in place about donating.

Agencies put in their own descriptions and pictures on the Web site, so there is a personal touch.

She thanked the local United Way for getting Freeborn County nonprofits involved with the program.

Individual donation transactions greater than $2,500 will be eligible for matching gifts up to $2,500 only. If someone donates $10,000 to an organization, only $2,500 would be eligible to receive a portion of the matching dollars.

In addition to the $500,000 match, the three nonprofit organizations around the state that receive donations from the most individual donors will receive cash prizes: $5,000 for the first prize, $2,500 for the second and $1,000 for the third.

Transaction costs for gifts made on Give to the Max Day will be covered, so 100 percent of gifts made on GiveMN will go straight to nonprofits.