By: Emily Konouchi | 2021 Board of Directors

The Big Payback is Middle Tennessee's annual online giving event. Over 800 non-profit organizations participate to raise money and compete for cash awards from the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. 

Once again, Tennessee Justice For Our Neighbors is participating in this year's 24-hour online event, and I hope you'll join me in giving on May 5-6. 

We all have local nonprofits who are near and dear to our hearts, and one of the things I love to see during The Big Payback is friends on social media rallying support for the organizations they care for so deeply. 

A couple years ago, one of my friends posted on her Instagram stories that she wanted her friends to give to a specific organization, and if they did and let her know, she'd reciprocate by giving to the organization of their choice. 

A Big Payback swap - what genius! I quickly made a gift and then asked her to give to TNJFON. Then I made a similar request on my own Instagram, asking friends to give to TNJFON and let me know which organization they'd like me to give to in return. 

1. Create a personal fundraising page for TNJFON by following the instructions at www.thebigpayback.org/tnjfon. 

You can choose a vanity URL that'll make it easy to share on social media later. 

2. When The Big Payback kicks off at 6 p.m. on May 5, 2021, start spreading the word - if you give to TNJFON, I'll give to another organization of your choosing. 

You can match amounts if you want to, but it's not necessary. Many participating nonprofits are just as interested in growing their donor base as they are raising funds at this particular event. 

3. Thank your donors! If posted a story on Instagram or Facebook to ask for donations, follow up with a story shouting out the people who answered the call. 

You can also use comments on a Facebook, Instagram or Twitter post to mention and thank people for their support. 

4. Don't forget to follow through - if you say you'll give to another organization, before sure to do it and let your friend know. 

Hopefully you'll get your own shoutout on their social media! 

That's it! At the end of the 24-hour giving event, you can feel great about taking "payback" in The Big Payback to a whole new level.