San Antonio Nonprofit Drive to Target September 2026
Local organizations will seek donations during a 24-hour event to offset rising operational costs and budget cuts.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Philanthropy
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The Nonprofit Council has scheduled The Big Give for September 2026, aiming to surpass the $6.3 million raised by over 400 organizations in 2025. This annual campaign provides unrestricted funding as local entities navigate federal budget cuts and increasing expenses.
Why it matters
The event serves as a critical revenue bridge for local nonprofits facing significant funding gaps, such as the San Antonio Botanical Gardens' loss of $200,000 in city support. These fundraising targets reflect the broader pressure on organizations to maintain service levels despite rising operational costs.
The Big Give has generated $60 million in total contributions since its 2014 inception. Individual organizations are setting aggressive targets, including $92,000 for Mile Markers and $50,000 each for Roy Maas Youth Alternatives and the Boys and Girls Clubs of San Antonio.
The players
The Nonprofit Council
An organization that coordinates regional fundraising efforts and provides a platform for nonprofits to reach donors.
San Antonio Botanical Gardens
A local institution currently managing a $200,000 shortfall in municipal funding.
Roy Maas Youth Alternatives
A nonprofit focused on youth services currently pursuing a $50,000 fundraising goal.
Mile Markers
A service organization that has established a $92,000 fundraising target for the upcoming drive.
Boys and Girls Clubs of San Antonio
A national youth development organization operating locally with a $50,000 goal for the campaign.
The details
The Big Give operates as a 24-hour window, beginning Wednesday at 6 p.m. and concluding Thursday at 6 p.m., allowing donors to provide unrestricted capital. By centralizing the donation effort, participating nonprofits aim to maximize outreach to counter the effects of reduced federal and municipal funding. This structure helps organizations like the San Antonio Botanical Gardens—which faces a $200,000 deficit—seek to stabilize their budgets through targeted community goals.
Timeline
Fundraising began in 2014.
The event raised $5.53 million in 2023.
The event raised $5.85 million in 2024.
The event raised $6.3 million in 2025.
The next event occurs in September 2026.
Market Landscape
The 2026 drive follows the pattern established by The Big Give annual fundraising cycle, continuing an upward trajectory in total donation volume. This event marks a critical juncture for organizations adapting their revenue strategies following recent municipal funding shifts.
Operators in the nonprofit sector should note the shift toward reliance on unrestricted community donations to bridge municipal funding gaps. Assess the feasibility of similar 24-hour concentrated fundraising sprints if your organization faces rising operational overheads.
The takeaway
The sustained growth of this event illustrates that community-based fundraising remains a resilient lever for organizations facing external budget pressures. Business leaders should monitor these aggregate donation totals as a proxy for local philanthropic capacity when planning their own corporate social responsibility cycles.
Further reading
For more on how local institutions are adapting their financial models, visit the Philanthropy section.
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Do you plan to increase your charitable donations this year to help offset local funding cuts?
