Erie Gives Day to Boost Local Nonprofits

Tuesday, Aug. 9

We all want to be good people. We all know the importance of charity, and recognize the amazing positive work so many local nonprofits are doing. But far too often, especially in these busy months, we find ourselves rationalizing why not to give.

On Erie Gives Day, there will be at least 250,000 more reasons to give.

Thanks to local sponsors, your contribution will be matched, essentially doubling your donation via a prorated match of $250,000. Continuing their contributions from last year, The Erie Community Foundation, GE Transportation, Erie Insurance, and Presque Isle Downs & Casino have pledged substantial sums. Welcomed newcomers to the donors' circle are Erie Bank, Northwest Bank, McInnes Rolled Rings, E.E. Austin & Son, and Scott Enterprises.

If there's a nonprofit close to your heart, chances are they're one of the 346 local organizations involved. To participate, organizations must be 501(c)(3) and be either members of The Nonprofit Partnership (NPP) or have an Agency Endowment with The Erie Community Foundation.

From 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., visit eriegives.org to make your donation online (the minimum eligible donation is $25). Nonprofits are searchable by name or category on the website. If you're on social media that day, you'll no doubt get a parade of links from your favorite nonprofits, as well.

Spearheaded by The Erie Community Foundation, the event has been lovingly embraced, growing each year since 2011. Last year, the region gave a total of $2,843,371. For the past three years, the total amount given has increased by over a half a million dollars. If the trend continues, that will bring the grand total to over 12 million dollars.

So, if you're looking for a time to help, Aug. 9 is your day. – Nick Warren

8 a.m. to 8 p.m. // eriegives.org