Carrie Rich Builds Momentum For Long Beach Gives As September Approaches

With September's annual Long Beach Gives campaign just three months away, nonprofit leaders, business owners, educators, and community advocates gathered at the Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce's Good Afternoon Long Beach luncheon to learn how they can help support one of the city's largest charitable initiatives.

The featured speaker was Carrie Rich, director of Long Beach Gives, who shared the impact the campaign has made since its launch and outlined opportunities for businesses to become more involved in supporting local nonprofits.

Now entering its eighth year, Long Beach Gives has raised more than $13 million for organizations serving Long Beach residents and has become one of the city's most recognizable annual fundraising efforts.

Last year's campaign generated a record $2.3 million in donations. This year, organizers are aiming even higher with a goal of $2.5 million.

"Our goal for this year is $2.5 million," Rich told attendees during the presentation.

Connecting Long Beach Businesses and Nonprofits

While Long Beach Gives is best known for its annual fundraising week in September, Rich explained that the organization serves a broader purpose throughout the year.

The platform functions as an online directory connecting residents with hundreds of nonprofits serving Long Beach. Users can search organizations by mission, geographic area, or community need, helping residents find volunteer opportunities, community services, educational programs, and charitable organizations.

Today, the platform includes more than 450 participating nonprofits.

Rich emphasized that Long Beach Gives is designed not only to raise money, but also to increase awareness of the organizations working every day to improve the quality of life throughout the city.

Local Businesses Can Play A Larger Role

A major focus of the luncheon was the role local businesses can play in supporting nonprofit organizations.

Rich encouraged business owners to look beyond traditional donations and consider other ways to help. Suggestions included hosting fundraising events, highlighting nonprofits through social media, encouraging employee volunteerism, sponsoring campaign incentives, and partnering with organizations that align with their company's values.

She also highlighted Long Beach Gives group giving pages, which allow businesses to create customized fundraising pages featuring nonprofits they wish to support.

The program gives companies an opportunity to publicly demonstrate their commitment to the community while helping local organizations expand their reach.

"Marketing is free," Rich noted, encouraging businesses to share nonprofit stories and campaign information with customers and employees.

Community Leaders Fill The Room

Following the presentation, attendees participated in the networking segment, where dozens of organizations introduced themselves and shared their missions.

Representatives from schools, financial institutions, healthcare organizations, workforce development programs, arts groups, nonprofit agencies, and small businesses described ways they are serving Long Beach residents.

The introductions highlighted the diverse network of organizations that contribute to the city's business and nonprofit ecosystem.

Many attendees spoke about building partnerships, creating volunteer opportunities, supporting youth programs, expanding educational initiatives, and finding new ways to connect with the community.

The networking portion reflected one of the key messages of the afternoon: meaningful community impact often begins with relationships.

Be Part Of The Long Beach Business Community

One of the biggest takeaways from the luncheon was that meaningful partnerships often begin with a simple introduction.

Long Beach Gives may officially happen in September, but the relationships that power the campaign are built throughout the year. Chamber events create those opportunities by bringing nonprofit leaders, business owners, educators, and community advocates into the same room.

From monthly luncheons to mixers, from the Women's Business Council to the International Business Association, you'll find people who want to see you succeed. People who remember your name. People who become part of your circle as you build your business over time.

If you're looking to grow your business, expand your network, or become more involved in the Long Beach community, the Chamber offers a place to start.

As a Chamber member myself, I encourage you to take that first step. Fill out the form below and let the Chamber team introduce you to the people, programs, and opportunities available throughout the year.

c/o Robert Brennan, Chamber Member

Sign Up Form: CLICK HERE

Long Beach Gives: CLICK HERE