FAQs

Important Donation Information

• The Rotary Club of Davidson has established a nonprofit entity, the Davidson Rotary Charitable Fund Incorporated, to ensure that all donations to the Giving Tree Village are tax-exempt.
• What does this mean for you as a sponsor? Please consult with your accountant for guidance on how this affects your contributions. If you need a copy of our IRS approval letter, let us know.
• What does this mean for you as a nonprofit organization? In compliance with the bylaws of the Davidson Rotary Charitable Fund Inc., all donations from the Fund must be directed to 501(c)(3) charitable organizations. As such, participating nonprofits must provide proof of their 501(c)(3) status during the application process.
• What does this mean for you as a donor? Donations made to the Giving Tree Village will be tax-exempt. Contributions can be deducted under IRC Section 170. Donors who contribute $250 or more will automatically receive a charitable donation letter. For smaller donations, a donation letter will be provided upon request.

How Does the Giving Tree Village Work?

• Each of the 60 trees in the Giving Tree Village is sponsored and decorated by individuals and/or local businesses supporting various local nonprofits.
• Each tree represents a collaboration between a local business and a local nonprofit.
• Approximately 40,000 individuals walk through the Giving Tree Village each year to view the beautifully decorated trees and vote for their favorite tree(s)/nonprofit(s).
• Each vote generates a donation for the specific nonprofit associated with the tree. The amount the nonprofit receives is based on the number of votes it receives.
• Additionally, category winners receive cash awards, which Event Sponsors and Tree Sponsors fund.

Sponsorship Participation Opportunities

• Businesses, groups, or individuals have three options to participate in the Giving Tree Village.
  • Event Sponsorship– Donate directly to multiple nonprofits of your choice (minimum $500). The sponsorship cost is negotiable.
  • Tree Sponsorship– Select a local nonprofit to sponsor, then design and decorate a themed tree together. The sponsorship cost is $375.
  • In-Kind Donations– Provide goods and services to support the Giving Tree Village (negotiated).

Tree Decorating

• The Rotary Club of Davidson will provide the trees, which will be set up on the Davidson Town Green for the sponsor and nonprofit to decorate.
• Each tree will feature a sign identifying the nonprofit and sponsor, complete with a QR code that links to the Giving Tree Village Shopping Cart for voting and donations.
• When will the trees be available to decorate? Trees will be set up at the Davidson Town Green on Saturday, November 28th and will be ready to decorate on Sunday, November 29th. The Rotary Club of Davidson hosts a decorating party from 12-4 pm on Sunday, November 29. All trees must be decorated no later than noon on Wednesday, December 2nd.
• Who is responsible for decorating the trees? The sponsor, nonprofit, or both are responsible for decorating their tree. Tree decorators are free to be creative in decorating their trees. Sponsors and nonprofits are responsible for providing all tree lights and decorations. Electrical power and tree spotlights will be provided.
• Decorations should remain within the circumference of the tree branches.
• Ensure that the decorations are durable enough to withstand various weather conditions, including rain, snow, and wind.
• You may begin to remove tree decorations on Sunday, December 13th, at noon. They must be removed no later than Tuesday, December 15th, at noon. The Rotary Club of Davidson will remove them on December 15th.

Tree Marketing

• Promoting your tree is essential for every business and nonprofit organization to enhance visibility.
• Greater visibility translates into more votes, leading to larger donations.
• Share information about the tree with customers, vendors, donors, friends, and family.
• Leverage email blasts and launch a social media campaign to spread the word.
• A QR code will be provided to help direct voters to your tree; make sure to display it on the sign in front of your tree.
• If you have a physical store, showcase a sign featuring your donation QR code to inspire customers to contribute.
• Keep in mind: without marketing your tree, you may fall short of your fundraising target.

Tree Voting

• Voting occurs both in-person at the Giving Tree Village and online.
• In-person voting is available during Christmas in Davidson, December 3rd through December 5th, 2026. Each in-person vote is $1.00 with a minimum purchase of $5.00. Note: credit cards and cash will be accepted at the Giving Tree Village event.
• This year, online voting will commence immediately after the decorating party on Sunday, November 29, at 4:00 PM and will end on December 13th at 4:00 PM.
• Online voting will be available until December 13th at 4 p.m.
• 100% of the votes (funds) earned by each tree during the Giving Tree Village event will be donated to the associated nonprofit. In addition to donated funds, cash prizes will be awarded.
• All donations are final. Giving Tree Village does not offer refunds.

Prizes

• 5 Superlative Prizes will be awarded, and the winners will receive $500! The categories are: Most Festive, Most Creative, Best Handmade Decorations, Most Educational, and Most Representative of the Nonprofit. 
• Additionally, a $500 award will be given to the Kids’ Favorite. Children visiting the Giving Tree Village during Christmas in Davidson will receive a special Kids’ Favorite ticket to cast their votes for their preferred tree.
• Prizes will also be awarded to the top 3 vote recipients:
  • First Prize: $750
  • Second Prize: $500
  • Third Prize: $300

Only one prize per nonprofit.