Press release: Pick. Click. Give. Opening Week Shows “Remarkable Growth”

ANCHORAGE: Wednesday, January 5, 2011 – Project organizers say early 2011 Pick. Click. Give. participation figures are extremely encouraging. As of today, 81,805 Permanent Fund Dividend applications have been filed online with 2,975 individuals making 4,414 pledges for a total of $224,475.00.

“Alaskans are demonstrating their generous spirit as they increase their use of Pick. Click. Give.,” said Jordan Marshall, a project manager for Rasmuson Foundation, which is a major supporter of the program. “Right now we are seeing an average participation rate of 3.6 percent, which is more than double than last year’s average rate. This remarkable growth is encouraging for the participating causes that are doing important work in our communities.”

Marshall said Alaskans have a wide range of organizations they can choose to support. They may designate from $25 up to their full dividend to one or more of the Pick. Click. Give. causes when they file online.

“What we are seeing is Alaskans giving and average of $75 and supporting several causes when they file online for their PFD,” said Marshall.

The full list of eligible organizations is found at www.PickClickGive.org. Among those causes that are part of the program for 2011:

• 40 organizations provide health care services for those who might otherwise go without it.
• 152 organizations provide safe places, positive choices and nurturing environments for young people.
• 100 arts and culture organizations preserve Alaska’s heritage or stimulate artistic expression.
• 91 organizations help Alaskans put their lives back together after an emergency.
• 159 organization help individuals and families affected by a disability or mental illness.

Alaskans can also give to all campuses of the University of Alaska and to community foundations.

Pick. Click. Give. is coordinated through a partnership including the Permanent Fund Dividend Division of the Alaska Department of Revenue, Rasmuson Foundation, The Foraker Group, the Alaska Giving Coalition, the United Way of Anchorage and the Alaska Community Foundation. The Pick. Click. Give. statewide outreach campaign is made possible through financial support from the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority, BP Alaska, ConocoPhillips Alaska, the Mat-Su Health Foundation, the Friends of the Alaska Children’s Trust, Providence Health + Services Alaska, Flint Hills Resources Alaska, and Rasmuson Foundation. Also, providing generous amounts of in-kind support are Alaska Public Radio Network, Coast Alaska and Alaska One public broadcasting, the Alaska Club, and Nerland Agency.