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Erie Reader Gives 2025
Support the foundations of community with the Erie Community Foundation
3 hours ago
Erin Phillips
The Erie Community Foundation hosts their 15th annual Erie Gives Day this year on Tuesday, Aug. 12 from midnight to midnight. Expanded hours, no cumbersome fees, and the biggest matching pool yet all spell success for Erie's most impactful nonprofit organizations.
TUESDAY, AUG. 12
The Erie Community Foundation has been working hard all year long for this day, Erie Gives Day 2025, which happens to mark their 15th. For 15 years, this transformational day of giving locally has been helping to bolster the donations of thousands of Erieites (and beyond) to help make the most of our gifts and give hundreds of nonprofits unrestricted funding to help keep them afloat or expand their reach. For 15 years, the folks at the Erie Community Foundation have been honing the process and learning how to make it more beneficial, easier, and more streamlined for the community.
If you're new to Erie Gives this year, the basic idea is that on Tuesday, Aug. 12, you visit eriegives.org (or make donations in person or by check. The Erie Community Foundation offices are located at 459 W. Sixth St.), choose your favorite nonprofits using the search bar at the top, and make your donations. Your $25 donation (or more) will then receive a prorated Bonus Bucks match from the Erie Community Foundation Bonus Bucks pool, which basically makes your donation bigger and more impactful to your nonprofit.
And this year, it's easier than ever to give and give big. Like last year, Erie Gives will be online for 24 hours, offering a much larger gift-giving window than in previous years. This proved extremely effective last year when Erie Gives Day brought in their biggest payload yet, raising over $9.7 million for 513 participating nonprofits.
One major added benefit this year is that there are NO FEES attached to your donation. Vice President of Marketing and Community Relations Erin Fessler explains, "What is exciting about this year's Erie Gives is our Bonus Buck pool is the largest in our 15-year history as community partners provided over $634,000 to support Erie Gives. What that means is the Bonus Bucks will cover all fees, and what remains will be prorated and given to the 500-plus participating nonprofits."
At this moment in history, when federal funding sources are being restricted or eliminated, supporting our local nonprofits is more important than ever. These organizations represent what community really is: helping each other out. Whether that's through LGBTQIA+ support, social justice organizations, immigrant support services, feeding ministries, environmental groups, public media, or those foundations supporting our artists and musicians – all of these nonprofits make our quality of life in Erie better. Kailey Pisani, marketing and communications associate shares, "Erie Gives Day gives marginalized groups the support, visibility, and affirmation they deserve. There's something powerful about seeing your community invest in you, believe in your future, and embrace you as a vital part of the whole. It also sends a strong message that The Erie Community Foundation is committed to representing and uplifting everyone in our region. It reaffirms our mission to build a united, vibrant, and thriving community for all."
Our Nonprofit Picks
Each year, the Erie Reader polls our editors, writers, and staff to highlight the nonprofits they plan to support this Erie Gives Day. Below you'll find our varied results that really goes to show the diversity of nonprofits making an impact in our community. If you're having trouble deciding which nonprofit to support this Erie Gives Day, we hope you can draw inspiration from the following list. Let's get giving, Erie!
Nonprofits are listed alphabetically by donor's last name
Eagle's Nest Leadership Corporation (ENLC)
Who's giving: Liz Allen, Contributing Writer
Who they are: ENLC offers a variety of educational programs for at-risk youth, including the
Eagle's Nest School of Academic Distinction, for kindergarten through third grade and sixth through eighth grade students.
Why I'm giving: I volunteered to read to second-grade classrooms at the Eagle's Nest this past year. Every week, I learned something new from the children and I was always impressed by Jenn Rose, their teacher, Jane Ross, their teacher's aide, and the way the kids tackled their lessons and modeled good behavior. Looking forward to catching up with them in third grade!
Liz previously gave to: Emmaus Ministries, The Harry T. Burleigh Legacy Alliance, Urban Erie Community Development Corp (UECDC), All Aboard Erie, and the Sisters of St. Joseph Neighborhood Network
Performing Artists Collective Alliance (PACA)
Who's giving: Edwina Capozziello, Contributing Writer
Who they are: Erie's creative mecca in the historic Mayer building, with live community theater for adults and children (new home of Footlights), studio and gallery space for multiple mediums, all in a diverse and welcoming environment that seeks to empower the community through the arts.
Why I'm giving: PACA is dedicated to keeping Erie's creative spirit alive and right now donations are being matched by philanthropist Tom Hagen (up to $500,000) toward renovation and expansion. I'm hopeful that once all of the updates are complete that Dave Schroeder's PACA[LiVE!] music series can be reborn.
Edwina previously gave to: U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants-USCRI
Bonus: Support local performing arts through gifts to the Erie Playhouse or Dafmark Creative Arts Center.
Who's giving: Julia Carden, Contributing Writer
Who they are: Boro Women & Family Services is a nonprofit organization that provides free, confidential services to support and empower individuals and families. Through education and access to health and wellness resources, the organization helps people make informed decisions that lead to healthier, more secure lives.
Why I'm giving: I support Boro Women & Family Services because I believe in meeting people where they are. This organization provides something special: free, confidential services without the red tape of insurance or the stress of a formal clinical setting. They run diaper drives, keep a stocked community resource room, and create a space where folks feel seen and supported. I've seen firsthand the difference this group makes for residents and college students in need of support. And in a time of growing barriers to women's health services, community-based organizations like Boro Women & Family Services matter more than ever.
Bonus: Consider other family service organizations like SafeNet Erie, Perseus House, or Safe Journey.
Storytime with Ms. Loretta at the expERIEnce Children's Museum (Photo: contributed)
Who's giving: Nathaniel Clark, Contributing Writer
Who they are: The expERIEnce Children's Museum is a place that has been inspiring creativity and imagination in children for over 25 years. The museum's primary mission is to engage children, families, and community members from diverse backgrounds in play-based educational experiences that foster creativity, exploration, and imagination. With a variety of exhibitions and activities, toddlers to teens have the opportunity to foster mindsets that they will carry with them far into their years.
Why I'm giving: As an Erie native since childhood, I have fond memories of my field trips and family explorations of expERIEnce's original location: playing around in their detailed spaces provided me with crucial experiences along with joy during my time spent there. Now, as an adult, I want to give back to the people who are working toward continuing the museum's mission for the next generation.
Who's giving: Chloe Forbes, Contributing Writer
Who they are: The McKean Hose Company is a fire department dedicated to serving McKean and surrounding communities in Erie County since 1941. They assist in a variety of calls and are tireless advocates, providing outreach education and finding new solutions whenever possible to keep people safe.
Why I'm giving: My grandfather, Neal Williams, was a firefighter in McKean, and right now, fire departments and first responders need the critical support of their communities to continue their life-saving work. Nobody should ever have to question if their fire department will be able to make it to them in an emergency. Consider giving to your local fire department on Erie Gives to get immediate feet on the ground when it's most critical!
Chloe previously gave to: Goodell Gardens & Homestead
Bonus: Search eriegives.org in the Emergency Response category to find the volunteer fire department closest to you.
Groundwork Erie's youth program in action (Photo: contributed)
Who's giving: Gretchen Gallagher Durney, Contributing Writer
Who they are: The organization is focused on urban agriculture, place-making, and community resilience. Their Green Team program hires and trains young people, empowering them and caring for neighborhoods in the city via a structured and supportive personal development program.
Why I'm giving: I love Groundwork's focus on our youth, care for city green spaces, and the tie into access to local food with the Pay What You Can Farmers Markets. The Green Team specifically hones in on strengthening young people ages 14-18 and their neighborhoods within the city, both vital initiatives. Developing young leaders while they earn some green and make the city more green, beautiful, and resilient? Truly a win-win! Their stats are impressive over just the start of this season. According to executive director Erin Carey (40 Under 40 Class of 2025), 24 teens were hired, nearly 800 urban trees cared for, more than 15 acres of land in the city maintained and beautified, more than 500 pounds of trash removed, and hundreds of pounds of local produce (some of which they grew at their own East Fourth Street Community Farm) distributed at the Pay What You Can Markets which they help facilitate.
I'm excited to see their reach expand as they help cultivate resilient young leaders and make a direct impact on our community. Want your funds to be designated for the Green Team? The Pay What You Can Stand? Just say so when you give on the 12th!
BARBIE (!!!), adopted at Purrista Cat Cafe via Because You Care (Photo: Contributed)
Because You Care / Purrista Cat Cafe
Who's giving: Brian Graham, Editor/Publisher
Who they are: Because You Care is a local nonprofit that helps rescue and rehome animals in need. They do an amazing job making sure pets are cared for in foster homes while they wait for the right match. Purrista Cat Cafe partners with them by housing some of their adoptable cats. You can grab a coffee, hang out with the cats, and maybe even fall in love with one. It's a great setup for animals and people alike.
Why I am giving: For this year's nonprofit, I'm once again choosing Because You Care. We adopted our second pet from them this past winter, after first adopting our beagle, Slim, back in 2016. This time, it was a cat named Barbie. We first met Barbie at Purrista Cat Cafe, where she was part of a crew of cats living at Purrista through a partnership with Because You Care.
Barbie had already made a name for herself online as the "extra-spicy" cat with the grumpy face and quick swat for anyone who didn't respect her boundaries. Naturally, my daughter fell head over heels. She made it her mission to get Barbie to like her. Almost every day, she would beg me to take her to Purrista, and the moment we walked in, Barbie would stretch, wake from her nap, and start playing like a tiny maniac, especially if there was a laser pointer involved. After a few visits, my daughter's begging escalated. She wanted to adopt Barbie. After a lot of convincing (and some impressive behavior on her part), we finally gave in. Luckily, a generous donor had already covered Barbie's adoption fees. She had been waiting for a forever home for quite a while, so at $0, she was quite a bargain. Barbie settled in quickly. She's playful, quirky, affectionate, and even tolerates her older beagle brother, though she will happily steal his favorite spot on the couch. Because You Care and Purrista Cat Cafe have brought so much joy to our lives. I can't recommend them enough to any animal lovers out there.
Brian previously gave to: Erie Cancer Wellness Center, United Way Imagination Library, Friends of the Erie County Library, Meals on Wheels, Hooked on Books, and YMCA of Greater Erie
Bonus: Consider donating to any of Erie's myriad of animal shelters like the ANNA Shelter, the Erie Humane Society, or the Erie Animal Network.
WQLN filming Sounds Around Town (photo: Erin Phillips)
Who's giving: Jessica Hunter, Media Editor/Photographer
Who they are: WQLN is Erie's home for public radio, public television, and lifelong learning.
WQLN has been a constant in our region for nearly 60 years – an educational and cultural lifeline that informs, entertains, and inspires. From Sesame Street and Fresh Air to locally produced programs that elevate regional voices, WQLN enriches our lives in countless quiet ways. But recent federal funding cuts have left a serious gap.
Why I am giving: I'm giving to WQLN because I believe in free, accessible public media. I believe in the kid watching PBS Kids before school. I believe in the car radio that makes a commute more thoughtful. I believe in the local documentary that helps us see our own city with new eyes. I believe in the Erie-based station that doesn't just broadcast content, but reflects the values, creativity, and curiosity of our community. WQLN needs to recover critical lost funding in order to keep public media strong for generations to come. Because while the dollars matter, so does the message: we care about the stories that bring us together.
Jessica previously gave to: Erie Yacht Club Foundation, Presque Isle Partnership, Lake Erie Region Conservancy, Inner-City Neighborhood Art House, NAMI of Erie County, and the Erie Humane Society
Emmaus Grove, the urban garden that helps supply their adjacent soup kitchen (Photo: Emmaus)
Who's giving: Erin Phillips, Managing Editor
Who they are: (Literally) serving Erie since 1974 when they opened their very first soup kitchen, the Benedictine Sisters of Erie have been operating and expanding Emmaus Ministries ever since. Now running the Emmaus Soup Kitchen and food pantry, the Kids Cafe after-school program, the Studio at St. Mary's: Space to Create, Emmaus Grove: The Erie Urban Farm School, and the Inner-City Neighborhood Art House (who hosts their own Erie Gives drive), Emmaus feeds the minds, bodies, and souls of those in Erie who need it most.
Why I'm giving: Over the past year or so, I have learned that nuns these days are absolutely RADICAL. No longer the staunch, habit-wearing, ruler-yielding sisters of old, these ladies are organizing protests, leading political movements, and leaning into community service through their continued feeding ministries. Emmaus provides meals and fresh produce (grown hyper-locally at their urban garden, Emmaus Grove) to anyone in need without question or judgment, and provides safe places for our city's children to go where they will be supported, nurtured, fed, and given the opportunity to be creative, learn, and grow.
Erin previously gave to: The Erie Bird Observatory, Friends of the Erie County Library, Erie Arts & Culture, Asbury Woods, and Our West Bayfront
The Multicultural Community Resource Center
Who's giving: Dan Schank, Contributing Writer
Who they are: For a half century, the MCRC has prepared our New American population in Erie for success. They provide language services, child care, job placement resources, and diversity training to some of our newest Erieites.
Why I'm giving: It's a tough time to be arriving in the United States, with an astonishing variety of services disappearing and xenophobia on the rise. But immigrants strengthen our city through their creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship. The MCRC makes their transition into our communities much smoother - especially for people fleeing dangerous environments. I want to live in an Erie that is multicultural and welcoming, rather than one that is reactive and provincial.
Dan previously gave to: Compton's Table, NWPA Pride Alliance, Inc., and The Erie County Community College of PA
Bonus: Other immigrant outreach nonprofits include USCRI and the Bhutanese Community Association of Erie.
Who's giving: Adam Welsh, Editor/Publisher
Who they are: You may know them best for their reliable coverage of City Council meetings, Jefferson Educational Society programs, or the live music of Celebrate Erie and Erie's Blues and Jazz Festival, but since 1997 Community Access Media (CAM) has been empowering the Erie community by providing the tools and training to produce and broadcast their own media. Authorized by the City of Erie to administer the public access channel on Spectrum Cable channel 1021 and VNET Fiber channel 2, CAM's mission is to facilitate community involvement in media that benefits our region. Beyond cable television, they've expanded to include podcasts, YouTube videos, and social media content, ensuring that local voices and visions have a platform to reach a wide audience.
Why I'm giving: Like the Erie Reader, CAM is a staple of our local media landscape and provides an important window into our community. At a time when crucial local media is increasingly being consolidated and defunded while a handful of large corporations dictate the conversation, CAM provides a vital counterbalance. They not only offer a platform for a diverse range of local voices from nonprofits to individual content creators, but they also provide the hands-on training and equipment needed to turn an idea into a reality. CAM fosters civic engagement and empowers citizens to tell their own stories. They don't just give people a microphone, they also teach them how to use it. In my view, that's an invaluable service for our community.
Adam previously gave to: Career and Dreams, Erie Women's Fund, Film Society of Northwest Pennsylvania, Lake Erie Region Conservancy, LifeThruMusic, the Jefferson Educational Society, and the Presque Isle Partnership
Visit eriegives.org from 12 a.m. to 12 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 12 to donate.