Good Giving Challenge Launches Hemp Fundraising Campaign
The Good Giving Challenge is a fundraising challenge hosted by the Bluegrass Community Foundation and Smiley Pete Publishing. In 2016 the Challenge raised over $1.6 million across 118 non-profits.
In 2017 the challenge will serve over 120 charities in a fun-filled, one-month long challenge that extends from Giving Tuesday (November 28th) until December 31st.
In addition to organizations fundraising through individual donations, the nonprofits also have an opportunity to compete for a $5,000 endowment prize provided by the Bluegrass Community Foundation.
This year, a new face in a new industry is joining the Good Giving Challenge. Friends of Hemp is a 501c3 non-profit who is growing the hemp industry through education and opportunity.
Every dollar raised will be MATCHED up to $10,000 with contributions from the Clark County Community Foundation!
Who is 'Friends Of Hemp'?
Friends of Hemp, formerly known as Kentucky Hemp Research Foundation, launched in January 2016 with a focus on advancing the hemp industry through fundamental research and market development.
But after a year-in-a-half of diligent action, the organization realized their largest impact was educating the public about the beneficial properties of hemp in an effort to grow market demand.
So in June of 2017, the organization’s Board of Directors voted to re-brand as Friends of Hemp, with a mission to grow the industry through education and opportunity. They do this through programs like their successful Local Hemp Foods Cook-Off and Farmer Seminars and in 2018 they are establishing a program to offer grants to farmers and small-businesses.
Over the past two years, the volunteer-run organization has raised over $30,000 through individual and corporate donations.
Become a Friend of Hemp!
You can become a Friend of Hemp by donating to their cause through the Good Giving Challenge Portal. Every dollar you donate will be matched up to $10,000!
The donations will benefit Friends of Hemp’s 2018 goals:
- Improve national outreach for education and small grants
- Create Core Content for classrooms
- Start an endowment for grant-making programs for farmers and entrepreneurs
- Host third-annual Local Hemp Foods Cook-Off at Crave Food + Music Festival
- Initiate fundraising to create and publish “A Comprehensive Guide to Hemp Management”
- Employ personnel
You can also find Friends of Hemp this December at two events:
Chili Cook-Off
When: December 12th 5-7PM
Where: Clark County Extension Office
Friends of Hemp will be partnering with Full Circle Market out of Winchester, Kentucky to create and serve an award-winning chili using Kentucky Hemp Dawgs. The organization will showcase their work and the hemp products available at Full Circle Market. Attendees get $1 to donate to the charity of their choice and vote on their favorite chili. The 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners will receive a donation to their organization!
Hempy Holiday Market & Party
When: December 14th 6-10PM
Where: Rock House Brewing, 119 Luigart Ct, Lexington, KY 40508
Friends of Hemp is partnering with the Kentucky Hemp Industries Association to host a hemp holiday market and party. The event will showcase local Kentucky hemp brands and offer live music, a pizza food truck (with a hemp heart sprinkle option of course) and Rock House Brewing’s famous Uncle Jon’s Brown Hemp Ale made with Victory Hemp Foods roasted seeds.
Think Hempy Thoughts is a Friend Of Hemp!
Think Hempy Thoughts has been Friends of Hemp since the organization launched in 2016. We offer both voluntary and financial support to the organization. In fact, the Founder of Think Hempy Thoughts is also the Founder of Friends of Hemp.
If you are supportive of re-invigorating a domestic hemp economy, we encourage you to become a Friend Of Hemp by donating to their campaign!
Your time and voice are also contributions as well! Follow them on Instagram and Twitter (@FriendsOfHemp) and on Facebook (@WeAreFriendsOfHemp) and share their story and achievements!
