When NEPA Gives launched in 2020, the region was in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Communities were isolated, nonprofits faced uncertainty, and online fundraising became more necessity than option.
NEPA Gives returns June 4 at 7 p.m. and runs through June 5 at 7 p.m, and, six years later, the 24-hour giving campaign has grown into one of the largest coordinated charitable efforts in Northeastern Pennsylvania — now spanning 13 counties and hundreds of nonprofit organizations.
“Every year it kind of shifts depending on the nonprofit environment and the giving environment,” said Ryanne Jennings, president and CEO of the Wayne County Community Foundation.
Jennings said that spirit has remained steady, even as financial pressures affect donors.
“Even when wallets are tight, people are still finding ways to give to the organizations that they care about,” she said.
Behind the scenes, organizers meet regularly for months leading up to the event to coordinate sponsorships, prize incentives and nonprofit participation. Jennings said the effort has also helped smaller organizations build stronger digital fundraising skills and reach new donors.
“NEPA Gives often brings a pipeline of younger donors that they might not have before,” she said.
The event also features matching incentives and prize pools funded by businesses and private donors, which can significantly increase the impact of individual gifts.
“The stretch dollars are based on unique donations to that organization,” Jennings said. “So the more donors you have, the more money you’ll get out of that stretch pool.”
Jennings encouraged even small donations to participate during the 24-hour window, noting that contributions of $10 or more can help unlock additional funding and prizes.
More information and participating nonprofits –including Radio Catskill– are available at NEPAGives.org.
Image: A NEPA Gives celebration in 2023. (NEPA Gives)