As Tuesday, Aug. 8, draws near, the buzz around the 13th Erie Gives Day is growing louder. The annual day of philanthropy is an event like no other — it’s an outpouring of generosity that last year culminated in $8.1 million in support of 468 nonprofit organizations in just 12 hours. In fact, last year’s visitors to the Erie Gives website came from all 50 states and 33 countries.
More:Erie Gives, the 12-hour community fundraiser, supports more than 470 local nonprofits
But Erie Gives is more than just a day. Erie Gives provides annual support for our region’s nonprofit organizations. They are our partners in the Erie Community Foundation’s vision of a united, vibrant and thriving region for all. Erie Gives is a testament to a community that cares as thousands of individuals come together to collectively fund the work of our region’s nonprofit organizations — all leading to a healthier, more economically robust and culturally rich community.
Participating nonprofits appreciate Erie Gives more than we might realize. Erie Gives is an avenue for nonprofits to raise critical, unrestricted dollars for their organization to support their annual budget, infrastructure and unanticipated expenses. This year, the stakes are higher as local nonprofits are facing greater challenges in today’s economy.
But the true power of Erie Gives is its inclusive nature, where every gift, no matter how big or small, plays a significant role. Last year, 15% of Erie Gives gifts were less than $50. Since its inception in 2011, Erie Gives has demonstrated the power of collective giving. With donors contributing online at ErieGives.org, giving by check, or leveraging their required minimum distribution from their IRA, Erie Gives has raised over $48.3 million in its 12-year history.
Behind these numbers are the new relationships and connections that are made through Erie Gives. Erie Gives empowers donors to support causes that matter the most to them. Nonprofits can share their stories with new audiences and report to us an increase in new donors each year. That is long-term impact.
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Erie Gives only lasts 12 hours, but the leadup to it is significant. Beginning in January, our team at the Erie Community Foundation works hard to engage corporate sponsors, community partners and Erie Gives donors to ensure success in August. Thanks to our corporate sponsors, every gift will receive a percentage of the Bonus Bucks pool, amounting this year to an impressive $455,000. Plus, our regional affiliate community foundations in North East, Corry, and Union City are adding to the Bonus Bucks pools in their areas ($30,000, $20,000 and $10,000, respectively) specifically for their local nonprofits.
In addition to the Bonus Bucks, smaller businesses, our community sponsors, have generously donated 13 $500 grants, which Erie Gives nonprofits will be eligible to win through random hourly drawings throughout the day.
All of this serves as motivation for participation and builds excitement throughout the day. Speaking of excitement, the Erie Community Foundation will host a Parking Lot Party from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at 459 West 6th St.. Erie, on Tuesday, Aug. 8th. Donors can celebrate Erie Gives together, take photos with local mascots, engage in friendly yard games and purchase lunch from the Food for Thought food truck, operated by students from the Charter School of Excellence. Plus, everyone who attends the Parking Lot Party can submit a favorite nonprofit’s name for a 1:30 p.m. drawing of an extra $500 grant.
Every day at the Erie Community Foundation we inspire, engage and empower donors and communities across the region, today and tomorrow. Erie Gives is an important part of this mission as it is a way to inspire collective philanthropy, engage new donors and empower hundreds of community organizations. It’s important to note that the Foundation does not benefit from Erie Gives; rather, the Foundation hosts the day as another way to benefit the charities in our footprint. Our board of trustees votes to invest in the Bonus Bucks pool because they too believe in the power of collective giving. Erie Gives uplifts the nonprofit sector and means that anyone can be a philanthropist. Explore our website and text REMIND to 814-580-5846 to receive updates and reminders about Erie Gives.
Erie Gives provides hope and unites our community. Please join us on Tuesday, Aug. 8th between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. at www.eriegives.org.
Karen Bilowith is the president and CEO of the Erie Community Foundation.
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