The Community Foundation’s ‘Amazing Raise’ will return Thursday with $113,000 up for grabs. The unique online giving event is designed to empower the people of metro Richmond to come together and raise as much money as possible for local nonprofits in just 36 hours. This year, 450 organizations working in areas ranging from arts and education to homelessness and health care are eligible to participate.

The top three organizations with the most unique donations of $50 or more will receive $20,000, $15,000 and $10,000 respectively – doubled from 2011. Grants of $2,500 each will be awarded to “early birds” or the first 15 organizations to reach at least 50 donations of $50 or more. Mini-contests will help spur giving during certain time periods (Sunset Special or Procrastinator’s Prize) or to signify certain achievements, such as Most Improved or Long Distance Donor.

Last year, the Amazing Raise generated nearly 6,500 donations and $630,000 in donations and incentive prizes. A total of 270 organizations received at least one donation, with Church Hill Activities and Tutoring taking home the top prize with 382 unique gifts.

The Amazing Raise will begin at 6 a.m. Sept. 19 and continue until 6 p.m. Sept. 20. To donate or to track the donation process in real time, visit http://www.giverichmond.org