Nonprofits play an essential role across the region--in health, arts, environment, education and social services. In today's economic environment, these organizations need to accomplish much more with much less.

To celebrate Middle Tennessee's spirit of generosity and "payback" the work of nonprofits, The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee is bringing back The Big Payback.

The Big Payback, a 24-hour, online giving event, highlights nonprofit organizations' great work and inspires community-wide giving. Starting at 12 a.m. on the morning of Tuesday, May 5, 2015, the public has 24 hours to make gifts atwww.TheBigPayback.org from a selection of 755 participating nonprofits, including schools and religious institutions, which are located in or provide services to the 40 counties of Middle Tennessee.

Gifts from the public will be boosted with funds from sponsors of The Big Payback. Nonprofits will vie for financial incentives, bonus donations and additional prizes totaling more than $240,000. An online leaderboard will track donations in real-time.

Donors will be able to view and select from participating nonprofits based on location and focus area, such as animals, education, healthcare and more. Donors can support multiple nonprofits and make gifts of any size, from $10 and up.

"The Big Payback puts a charitable spin on the idea of 'buy local' and provides an easy and fun way for communities to show their local pride and give back," said Ellen Lehman, president of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. "Nonprofits do life-changing work every day across Middle Tennessee, and it's important we recognize the positive impact they have in our own backyards by supporting their efforts."

Nonprofits and the general public also can participate in The Big Payback in person. Thanks to the Nashville Predators, the Smashville Plaza in front of Bridgestone Arena will turn into The Big Payback Party Plaza on May 5, from 10 a.m. to approximately 1 p.m. Participating Big Payback nonprofits will have the opportunity to showcase their organization, and all who attend can enjoy food trucks, donation stations, giveaways, music and much more.

The Predator's Foundation also is joining The Big Payback movement. On May 5, The Predators will announce their 2015 nonprofit grant recipients. Grant funds can be used by the nonprofits toward their Big Payback goals. The Community Foundation thanks the Nashville Predators for their support of the Middle Tennessee community.

"The Big Payback makes it easy for anyone to be a philanthropist, and we encourage everyone to take a few minutes to give to the causes near and dear to their heart," said Lehman.