For the last decade, Lafayette Oxford Foundation for Tomorrow has awarded 86 grants totaling $225,000 to several local nonprofit organizations. On Thursday evening, LOFT will dole out another $10,000 to some very deserving nonprofit agencies in Oxford and Lafayette County.

For the first time, LOFT, in conjunction with Leadership Lafayette County, is sponsoring a “Night for Nonprofits” to be held at the Powerhouse from 6-8 p.m. Five area nonprofits — Yoknapatawpha Arts Council, Lovepacks, Lou Excel by 5 Coalition, Horizons at the University of Mississippi and the Boys and Girls Clubs of North Mississippi–LOU Club — will present their best ideas in how to best impact the community with the winner being selected by votes from the audience. The $10,000 top prize will be awarded to the nonprofit with the winning pitch and a second cash prize will go to the nonprofit who receives the most community favorite votes.

“The winner of the money will be able to implement their organization’s new project or program,” said LOFT executive director Jody Holland. “These funds are designated to assist nonprofits in executing a project that will enhance the quality of life in Oxford or Lafayette County.”

Improving the quality of life in Oxford and Lafayette County is the basis for LOFT being founded in 2002.

In addition to the finalists, other nonprofits will be featured during the reception, including Holding Hands Resale Shop, Lafayette Endowment Fund for Education (LEFE), Lafayette Upper Elementary School (LUES) PTO, Oxford Film Festival, Oxford-Lafayette County Heritage Foundation, Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), and Thacker Mountain Radio Show.

All nonprofits taking part in the Night for Nonprofits will be competing for the Crowd Favorite Award and cash prize.

Each attendee will receive a blue ticket and a red ticket at the door and during the nonprofit reception that will take place from 6-7 p.m., the attendees will have an opportunity to visit with each nonprofit while also sampling foods from various Oxford restaurants. The red ticket will be used to vote for their favorite nonprofit among the 12 semifinalists. Additional red tickets may be purchased for $10 per ticket. The top three finishers will win portions of the ticket money.

From 7-8 p.m., the five finalists will present their grant proposals and the attendees will use their blue ticket to vote for their favorite and the $10,000 main prize.

“The grand prize voting is completely audience decided,” Holland said.

To purchase a $20 ticket, visit the Powerhouse or http://nightfornonprofits.bpt.me. Tickets may also be purchased at the door for $25 each.