By: Barbara Clinton

The Big Payback is Middle Tennessee's annual online giving event, with more than 800 non-profit organizations raising money and competing 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.  

TNJFON needs you more than ever and I hope you'll join me in giving, beginning May 6 at 6pm and ending May 7 at 6pm. Donors can also schedule their donations ahead of time, beginning on April 29.

Here’s how to help:

Since research shows that if a donor is asked by a peer to donate, he or she is 4 times more likely to give than if asked by an organization, ask your friends and colleagues to choose TNJFON as the organization they will support. 

NOW

1. Put together a list of friends and contacts who are interested in immigration, legal services, justice issues, or who like and admire you. A lot of people you know fit these categories, so make the list as long as you can.   

2. Use your favorite platform (email, Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, etc.), to reach out to your list, saying something like…

   “Immigrants who live close to the economic margin and do so much up-front service work in our community were hit especially hard by the tornadoes and COVID-19, all while struggling with a new language and a shifting and ominous legal horizon.

   Tennessee Justice for Our Neighbors provides legal services, helps them understand their rights, access resources, and plan for the future. I hope you will join me in supporting TNJFON during the Big Payback on May 6-7.”

   Note: If you’ve set up a personal campaign page using the instructions at thebigpayback.org/campaigns, you can go ahead and send that link to people starting April 29. 

ON MAY 5

Send a friendly note to those on your list, reminding them that the Big Payback starts tomorrow.  Say something like...

“Just wanted to remind you that tomorrow is the day! Please make a gift to Tennessee Justice For Our Neighbors at TheBigPayback.org starting tomorrow, May 6 at 6 p.m. through 6 p.m. on May 7. Your generosity now will make a huge difference in our community.”

ON MAY 6

1.  If you didn’t schedule your gift ahead of time, make your own gift to TNJFON through TheBigPayback.org.

2.  Send another note to your list, saying something like...

“I just made my gift to Tennessee Justice For Our Neighbors at TheBigPayback.org, hoping that you will do the same. Thank you for all you do for our community, and thank you for letting me remind you about this.”

LATER THAT WEEK

1.  Once you learn which of your friends donated, thank them sincerely for their generosity and for doing something very important.

2.  And finally, congratulate yourself - you are not only a donor, but a fundraiser as well!