Why It Works

Since 2003, Spur Local, formerly the Catalogue for Philanthropy, has connected thousands of donors and volunteers with hundreds of community-based nonprofits, raising more than $57 million to support their work. Through our blog, social media, community events, and The Catalog—Spur Local’s annual print and digital publication—our nonprofit partners share their real and compelling stories, as well as the stories of the communities they work with.

With every new person who learns about Spur Local, our nonprofit partners gain visibility and an opportunity to further their missions. Each of these partners receives a “seal of approval” that is visible on their website, at events, in grant proposals, and more, sending the collective message that Spur Local nonprofit partners are trusted and critical local nonprofits making an impact in our community.

Every year, our nonprofit partners tell us about donors and volunteers who found them through Spur Local and The Catalog. From the year we were founded, we have seen more than 50 nonprofit partners increase their budgets to well over $4 million, with countless others receiving notable news coverage and earning prestigious awards. Such recognition has a ripple effect going well beyond the dollars raised.

We open doorways that foster long-term relationships and spark new opportunities. We value the powerful connections that we can make as neighbors to advance systems change here, where we live.