55 Nonprofits In Four States Gearing Up To Compete For $375,000 In Grants During The 2014 Art Van Million Dollar Charity Challenge

WARREN, Mich., May 12, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Ladies and gentleman, start your fundraising engines! In honor of its 55^th anniversary this October, Art Van Furniture has selected 55 outstanding charitable organizations focusing on children, healthcare and human services in the markets it serves to participate in a $375,000 grant competition as part of its sixth annual Art Van Million Dollar Charity Challenge. Forty-one Michigan charities, nine Chicago non-profits, three Indiana charitable organizations and two that serve Ohio will compete to raise the most money starting May 19 through June 23.

At the conclusion of the five-week "Challenge Grant Competition," the charity that raises the most money will be awarded a grand prize of $75,000. The remaining nonprofits in the top ten will receive grants ranging from $7,500 to $60,000. The rest of the charities will split $35,000 evenly. In addition, bonus challenges will be held throughout the competition for $500 Art Van Furniture gift cards and $1,000 bonus grants. The winners will be announced on June 24. The challenge will take place on the online fundraising website, Crowdrise. 

"These organizations serve their communities and constituencies with passion and heart day in and day out, providing opportunities, resources and assistance to their neighbors in need," said Art Van Elslander, founder and chairman of Art Van Furniture. "It truly does take a village to make a difference in other's lives, and our hope is that this challenge grant competition will inspire thousands of people to give what they can to benefit the greater good."

The 55 deserving charities participating in the 2014 Art Van "Challenge Grant Competition" serve foster children, individuals with addictions and special needs, and the homeless and hungry. They also provide mentoring, educational and other services for victims of domestic violence and child abuse as well as people living with HIV, Crohn's & Colitis and a variety of disabilities.

Over the past five years, the Art Van Million Dollar Charity Challenge has awarded $5 million in grants, inspiring donations of $17 million and counting.

For more information, visit www.artvan.com and www.crowdrise.com/ArtVanCharityChallenge. 

About Art Van Furniture
Art Van Furniture is the Midwest's largest furniture retailer and America's largest independent furniture retailer. The company operates 37 stores throughout Michigan, five stores in Chicagoland, one store in Toledo, Ohio and in Fort Wayne, Indiana, a full service e-commerce website, plus 43 freestanding Art Van PureSleep bedding stores in Michigan, Ohio and Indiana. Founded in 1959, the company is family-owned and headquartered in Warren, Michigan. Visit artvan.com for more information.

SOURCE Art Van Furniture