Hundreds of Idaho nonprofits are gearing up for the first “Idaho Gives” day on Thursday, a statewide fundraising blitz for charity spearheaded by the Idaho Nonprofit Center and sponsored by St. Luke’s Idaho Health System and Idaho Central Credit Union. The effort is modeled after giving days in other states, and centers around the idahogives.org website, where donors all day will be able to select from among more than 500 causes as they make their donations.

The event also includes an array of activities around the state, including open houses, community celebrations, block parties and more; there’s a full listing here. Lynn Hoffman, executive director of the Idaho Nonprofit Center, said, “Our goal really is to make this a very fun and interactive day.” An awards pool will match donors’ contributions and the charities that draw the most donors will be able to win “bonus grants” by size category.

Boise events will include a nonprofit showcase at the Sesquicentennial Shop, a downtown block party at 4^thand Grove streets, a celebration in the Grove, and a flash mob in front of the Egyptian Theater, cat adoption specials, children’s activities and more.