It’s Time to Spring2ACTion!! Help Alexandria’s Nonprofits Thrive in ‘25!
Community Giving Day is Wednesday, April 9
Alexandria, VA – Alexandria sets a high bar in fundraising for its local nonprofits, particularly once a year for a massive citywide effort called Spring2ACTion, spearheaded and managed by the community foundation ACT for Alexandria.
What’s a community foundation you ask?
Community foundations are tax-exempt, charitable organizations that serve people who share a common interest—improving the quality of life in their community. Like a public charity, community foundations seek support from the general public, but like private foundations, they also provide grants. More than 750 community foundations operate in urban and rural areas in every state in the United States. In the fall of 2002, a small group of Alexandrians came together to decide how best to stimulate philanthropic giving to improve the lives of the most vulnerable in our community, and ACT was born.
Approximately 200 local Alexandria nonprofits operate under ACT’s umbrella. This year, Alexandria’s community-wide Giving Day happens on Wednesday, April 9, 2025. Celebrating its 15th anniversary, this online fundraising event is an indispensable platform for local nonprofits to engage the community and raise critical funds. “This year’s goal is to engage 10,000 donors to raise $2.5M for the 190 participating organizations,” says Heather Peeler, President & CEO of ACT for Alexandria (ACT).
Imagine that. Over two and a half million dollars in ONE day. Can it be done?
“Spring2ACTion is more than just a day of giving—it’s a powerful demonstration of what we can achieve when we come together as a community,” adds Peeler. “Alexandria nonprofits are feeling the destabilizing effects of federal funding freezes, employment uncertainties, and an increasing demand for essential services. Our nonprofits are struggling to meet growing needs with fewer resources, declining volunteer support, and fear preventing some residents from seeking help.”
“By giving through Spring2ACTion, we ensure that these organizations can continue to uplift, serve, and strengthen Alexandrians. Every donation, no matter the size, makes a difference in the lives of our neighbors. Last year, 25% of the donations made were $25 or less – we know small acts of generosity add up,” says Peeler.
“My favorite thing to do is ask people what their favorite charity is and say—hey, I’ll give to yours if you give to mine,” says Gayle Reuter, who has led and serves on numerous nonprofit boards and committees in Alexandria. “I get carried away and give to as many as I can every year, more than once during the day as the countdown draws near.”
While the official Giving Day is April 9, Early Giving started March 26 with donations accepted online at www.Spring2ACTion.org. Donors can search by organization name or cause and donate through mobile phones, tablets, or computers.
Where does the money go?
One organization is raising funds to provide pro bono legal assistance for immigrant families. Another is raising money to provide Alexandrians with rental assistance and medical and dental coverage. A student-led organization is seeking funds to support its robotics and STEM programs. With 190 participating organizations, there is a cause that everyone can connect with.
“By giving together and working collaboratively, we can stabilize vital services, find creative solutions, and continue advancing the public good. Stand with us by supporting local nonprofits through Spring2ACTion on April 9. Together, we can make a lasting impact for the community we love,” Peeler insists.
Since its inception in 2011, Spring2ACTion, the only citywide giving day in the region, has raised more than $23 million for the nonprofit sector, and each year, the local business community has played a significant role.
“Alexandria is so generous,” says Brandi Yee, ACT’s Chief Program Officer. “We get asked to go to other cities to show them how to do a day like this. Alexandria is one of the top in the country when it comes to anything like this.”
“We rely on the funding that comes in for our nonprofits,” says community leader Pat Miller, who serves on many nonprofit boards in town and founded Alexandria Celebrates Women. “This particular day is of supreme importance.”
Throughout the day, ACT broadcasts through social media where the tote board stands, much like the old Jerry Lewis telethons of yore. “It’s fun to follow along, and hope they hit their goal. And it inspires people to sometimes dig a little deeper and make another pledge.”
How Should You Manage Your Giving?
Many suggest first perusing the whole list of eligible nonprofits. “I think in advance who I plan to give to, and then I look at the list and see other ones I want to add,” says Martha Carucci, who leads the National Breast Center Foundation in Alexandria. “I know how vital this Giving Day is, and we are so grateful to the money raised for our foundation. I try to give back to others too.”
Many people shared that their plan of attack was a lot like what some folks do when they go to a casino. “I set aside the money I want to give, and then I spread it around as far as I can make it go,” said Andrea Johnson. “I make a game of it!”
Dozens of businesses are helping, too, in various ways.
“I just got a call today,” Carucci said, “that McEnearney is giving us a nice donation and that agents in the Pitt Street office are setting up something to encourage giving within their office on April 9. Stuff like that is happening all over town for many different charities.”
Restaurants and stores offer cash bonuses for various fundraising goals throughout the day.
For more information about ACT, the contests happening on April 9, and how you can support the pressing needs of the nonprofit community in Alexandria, contact ACT at 703-739-7778 or visit www.actforalexandria.org.
[Editor’s Note: On April 9, when the clock strikes midnight, the effort is officially over, though some donations trickle in for a few hours and sometimes days. ACT for Alexandria will send a press release shortly after midnight to inform the community of the total dollars raised. The Zebra will report immediately upon receipt and share it on our website (thezebra.org) and social media streams.]
Spring2ACTion 2025 Sponsors
Presenting Sponsors
• Amazon
• City of Alexandria
Kick-Off Celebration Sponsors
• Passport Auto
• The Garden
Leaderboard Sponsors
• Kids’ First Years
Power Hour Sponsors
• Freedom Bank
• Penny Post, Pippin Toy Co., Red Barn Mercantile
Early Bird Sponsors
• Corcoran McEnearney
• The Royal
ACTion Hero Sponsors
• Galactic Panther
• ESP Tea & Coffee
• Simpson Development
• Wegmans
Community Partners
• American Advertising Distributors of Northern Virginia
• Betsey R. Rosenbaum and Jon H. Rosenbaum Fund
• CarrAmerica
• Founding Farmers
• Giant
• HRP Potomac, LLC
• Mudhouse Coffee Roasters
• Trust Merchant Service
• Virginia Tech Innovation Campus
Media Partners
• Alexandria Gazette Packet
• Alexandria Living Magazine
• Alexandria Stylebook
• Alexandria Times
• ALXnow
• The Zebra
ACT Corporate Partners
• Alexandria Restaurant Partners (ARP)
• ALX Community
• Reingold
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