Technology

Donors Give a Record-breaking $37 Million During Minnesota’s Annual Give to the Max Day

Published

6 hours ago

November 22, 2024

The statewide giving day raised money for 6,556 Minnesota nonprofits and schools

MINNEAPOLIS, Nov. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Tens of thousands of donors from Minnesota and around the world gave more than $37 million to 6,556 organizations during Give to the Max Day yesterday, the 16th annual statewide giving event for Minnesota nonprofits and schools. This year’s giving total surpassed last year’s $34.2 million, setting a new record, previously held in 2021.

Organizers at GiveMN are delighted with the outcome, particularly in light of national trends suggesting that donations may remain flat or decline again this year. This remarkable display of generosity bolsters the resilience of nonprofits and schools across Minnesota, many of which depend on Give to the Max as their largest annual fundraiser.

Give to the Max Day 2024 drew donors both within Minnesota and around the world. Contributions and participation spanned all 87 Minnesota counties, every U.S. state, and 36 countries worldwide.

Originally conceived and launched in 2009 as a one-time campaign to raise awareness for the new GiveMN.org fundraising platform, Give to the Max Day has since evolved into Minnesota’s yearly celebration of generosity and a powerful demonstration of support for organizations throughout the state and the 11 Native nations that share the same geography. Donors have given more than $365 million to more than 10,000 organizations since the inaugural Give to the Max Day in 2009, making it one of the first and largest giving days in the nation.

“While more than $37 million raised is an incredible achievement, it’s just the beginning of the story,” said Jake Blumberg, executive director of GiveMN. “The true power of yesterday’s generosity lies in the countless lives and communities that will be transformed across Minnesota. Thanks to the support of thousands of donors, nonprofits and schools are equipped to create lasting change in our state.”

GiveMN distributed over $100,000 in prize grants to Minnesota organizations with “Golden Ticket” drawings every 15 minutes, adding a surprise element of generosity for more than 150 donors. This year, the grand prize Super-Sized Golden Ticket awarded a $10,000 bonus to Our Justice in Minneapolis.

Give to the Max Day was presented with support from sponsors at the Bush Foundation, the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation, Initiative Foundation, Northwest Minnesota Foundation, Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation, Southwest Minnesota Initiative Foundation, and West Central Initiative.

GiveMN.org is online and available year-round as a central hub for generosity in Minnesota. Donors may create a free account to set up monthly gifts, set up fundraisers for their favorite causes and download reports of their giving history. Visit GiveMN.org to learn more.

About GiveMN
GiveMN is an independent nonprofit organization working to ignite generosity and grow giving through GiveMN.org, Minnesota’s giving marketplace, and RaiseMN, a fundraising coaching and training program.

Since 2009, more than 770,000 donors have made gifts with ease and enthusiasm through givemn.org to make a difference for causes in their communities. Through this online marketplace for generosity, and giving events like the annual Give to the Max Day, GiveMN has helped to generate more than $430 million for more than 14,000 nonprofits and schools.

RaiseMN serves Minnesota nonprofits through individualized coaching and programs to transform nonprofit fundraising. Focusing on small- to medium-sized organizations, RaiseMN builds more healthy and sustainable fundraising practices so nonprofits can continue to pursue and expand their mission in their communities.

Launched in 2009 by the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation, GiveMN is supported by many generous foundation and corporate partners, contributions from individual donors, and revenue from its programs.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/donors-give-a-record-breaking-37-million-during-minnesotas-annual-give-to-the-max-day-302313997.html

SOURCE GiveMN

Technology

Right Choice Construction Awarded Ground-up West Houston STEM Academy Project

Published

34 minutes ago

November 22, 2024

HOUSTON, Nov. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Right Choice Construction is awarded the ground-up build of Genius Kids STEM Academy.

The state-of-the-art educational center will fulfill its mission of fostering a passion for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) among children in the rapidly growing communities west of Houston.

Dr. Ajmal Murad, CEO of Genius Kids STEM Academy, shares his excitement for the project: “We believe that nurturing a passion for STEM is crucial for shaping our community’s future. This center will serve as a valuable resource, empowering our children to explore their interests and develop critical thinking skills that will benefit them for years to come.”

Right Choice Construction has worked closely with Genius Kids STEM Academy to bring this 9,500 SQ FT vision to life.

“Our team is thrilled to collaborate with Genius Kids STEM on this exciting project,” says Right Choice Construction owner Danielle Wright. “Children are our future. We are proud to construct a learning environment that is both inspiring and conducive to the development of young minds.”

The structure’s design is tailored to reflect the school’s mission of facilitating an early education focused on science and discovery. Enlarged overhangs are incorporated into the building’s architecture to provide filtered natural light throughout the classroom spaces.

Project lead Eugenia Forgang of Houston based Daniel Scott Turner Design states, “We envisioned a low-roofed structure which stretches across the Katy Prairie. The school interiors weave a palette of natural materials designed to promote and support healthy indoor learning environments.”

The Katy-based STEM academy will support its community’s educational needs. Genius Kids aims to provide a cutting-edge space where children can engage in learning experiences that encourage curiosity and critical thinking.

About Right Choice Construction

Right Choice Construction is a woman-owned commercial construction company with over 25 years of experience in the industry. Right Choice Construction is a Certified City of Houston Women Business Enterprise (WBE) and Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) under the Small Business Administration (SBA). Right Choice Construction specializes in ground-up construction, and its principles of compliance, quality and client satisfaction are at the core of its operations. Learn more at rightchoiceconstruction.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/right-choice-construction-awarded-ground-up-west-houston-stem-academy-project-302313559.html

SOURCE Right Choice Construction

Technology

Unanet Acquires GovPro AI to Enable Customers to Win More Business

Published

34 minutes ago

November 22, 2024

Cutting-edge AI technology complements Unanet’s CRM solution by automating proposal writing

DULLES, Va., Nov. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Unanet, the leading provider of project-based enterprise resource planning (ERP) and customer relationship management (CRM) for the government contracting (GovCon) and architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industries, today announced it has acquired Washington, D.C.-based GovPro AI, the leader in AI-powered proposal writing platforms for GovCons. By incorporating GovPro AI’s technology into the Unanet product portfolio, Unanet is offering customers a solution to one of their most challenging and growth-constraining problems: the enormous amount of time, money, and resources invested in responding to complex and highly technical requests for proposals (RFP).

“Unanet is continuing to deliver on its promise to solve real business challenges for our customers,” said Steve Karp, Chief Innovation Officer, Unanet. “In addition to helping customers across the GovCon and AEC industries respond to RFPs more efficiently, GovPro AI’s technology and team will accelerate Unanet’s broader AI strategy via thought leadership, new technologies, and class-leading R&D methodologies that will benefit all our customers. We are excited to welcome this talented team of innovators to Unanet and invest in their solution, so it evolves to meet the constantly changing needs of our customers.”

Unanet chose GovPro AI to improve GovCons’ business development processes due to its unique and compelling blend of expertise in GovCon procurement processes, as well as the secure application of AI to solve real-world business needs. GovPro AI’s platform uses AI to create a high-quality first proposal draft – known to GovCons as the ‘pink team’ draft – for virtually any federal RFP in a matter of hours. Unanet plans to extend GovPro AI’s technology into the AEC market in 2025.

Industry experts estimate the cost of responding to a single RFP can typically be $50,000 – $100,000 — a significant investment for most firms and outright cost-prohibitive for smaller ones. According to Unanet’s most recent GAUGE Report, 45% of GovCons cite lack of business development resources as a challenge, and 69% say they are having issues winning new contracts.

This solution, backed by Unanet’s industry-leading service and support, enables customers to win more business faster, at a lower cost, and more strategically. GovCons can use the GovPro AI platform to reduce their average RFP time-to-draft by 70% and cut proposal generation costs in half. Additionally, customers can better evaluate their ‘go/no go’ decision-making and pursue those opportunities with a higher probability of winning.

Unanet can now offer its customers an option for a robust, comprehensive business development package composed of Unanet CRM and GovPro AI technologies, so they have:

Opportunity identification and assessmentRelationship managementPipeline managementAI-powered proposal generation

“Unanet’s commitment is to empower our customers’ business success with modern, purpose-built technology and people-centric service,” said Craig Halliday, CEO of Unanet. “When customers tell us about their business challenges, we evaluate all available options and invest in solving those challenges with best-in-class solutions either through in-house development, partnerships, or via acquisition. We’re on the same team as our customers, and it’s our job to support and further their success.”

GovPro AI was the brainchild of Alexander Cohen, who began contract writing government RFPs to earn extra money in graduate school. After his work helped win over $150M in business, it soon became clear there was a significant market opportunity to start a dedicated business focused on RFP preparation. Cohen and his select team of highly experienced experts from some of the world’s largest and most successful technology companies, government agencies, and GovCons started GovPro AI. Their first solution was a secure, highly specified RFP response platform leveraging generative AI technology. The depth of talent, technology, and management expertise made GovPro AI stand-out among other automation solutions.

“Being part of the Unanet team means we can advance our innovation and refine the solution features,” said Alexander Cohen, Founder of GovPro AI. “I’m looking forward to exploring new use cases for customers and continuing to deliver a more efficient, modern way of improving business development.”

Unanet completed the acquisition this month. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed. Current GovPro AI customers will continue to have full access to the solution at their original terms, with the addition of the Unanet customer service commitment.

About Unanet
Unanet is a leading provider of project-based ERP and CRM solutions purpose-built for government contractors, architecture, engineering, construction, and professional services. More than 4,000 project-driven organizations depend on Unanet to turn their information into actionable insights, drive better decision-making, maintain regulatory compliance, and accelerate business growth. All backed by a people-centered team invested in the success of your projects, people, and financials. For more information, visit www.unanet.com.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/unanet-acquires-govpro-ai-to-enable-customers-to-win-more-business-302313743.html

SOURCE Unanet

Technology

Vectorworks, Inc. Wins at the 2024 Construction Computing Awards

Published

34 minutes ago

November 22, 2024

Vectorworks Architect Named Architectural Design Software of the Year at 18th Annual Awards.

COLUMBIA, Md., Nov. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Global design and BIM software provider Vectorworks, Inc. announces its latest accomplishment—Vectorworks Architect has been named Architectural Design Software of the Year at this year’s Construction Computing Awards. Winners were selected through public voting and a panel of expert judges and announced on Nov. 7 at the Leonardo Royal Hotel London City.

Design is at the core of what we do, and with the latest enhancements in Vectorworks 2025, we’re reinforcing our commitment to providing design professionals with tools that bring their boldest visions to life at every phase

The Construction Computing Awards, commonly known as “The Hammers,” honor the technology, tools, and solutions that drive efficient design, construction, maintenance, and modification in projects ranging from commercial buildings to social housing and civil engineering.

“It’s a tremendous honor that Vectorworks Architect was recognized for quality and versatility,” said Vectorworks Chief Marketing Officer Jeremy Powell. “This award highlights our dedication to empowering designers to push boundaries and achieve absolute creative expression and efficiency. Design is at the core of what we do, and with the latest enhancements in Vectorworks 2025, we’re reinforcing our commitment to providing design professionals with tools that bring their boldest visions to life at every phase.”

Built to showcase your skill and creativity, Vectorworks Architect allows you to sketch, model, and document in a fully integrated workflow with the world’s most design-centric BIM solution. With superior 2D graphics, 3D modeling, and visualization tools, Architect is built to deliver absolute creative expression and maximum efficiency.

Winners will be featured in the November/December 2024 issue of CAD User and Construction Computing magazines. The complete list of winners and runners-up is available on the Construction Computing Awards website.

To learn more about Vectorworks Architect, visit vectorworks.net/architect or experience the software with a 7-day free trial. Learn more about the latest release of Vectorworks, its interactive features, and more by visiting vectorworks.net/2025.

About Vectorworks, Inc.
Vectorworks, Inc. is an award-winning design and BIM software provider serving the architecture, landscape architecture and design, and entertainment industries in 85 countries. Professionals worldwide are using Vectorworks on Mac and Windows to create, connect, and influence the next generation of design. Built with designers in mind since 1985, Vectorworks software offers you the freedom to follow your imagination wherever it leads you. Headquartered in Columbia, Maryland, with offices in the UK, Canada, Australia, and Japan, Vectorworks is a part of the Nemetschek Group. Learn how you can design without limits at vectorworks.net or follow @Vectorworks.

Media Contact

Kamica Price, Vectorworks, Inc., 443-542-0606, kprice@vectorworks.net, vectorworks.net

Twitter

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/vectorworks-inc-wins-at-the-2024-construction-computing-awards-302313730.html

SOURCE Vectorworks, Inc.; Vectorworks, Inc.