Erie Reader Gives 2026
Celebrating 16 sweet years of driving Erie's giving on Aug. 11
Erie Gives Day is upon us again and the Erie Community Foundation (ECF) is poised to make this year's event one of the biggest days of community giving yet. Now in its 16th year, most people living in the Erie area are familiar with the push from local nonprofits in the days leading up to Erie Gives Day, which this year falls on Tuesday, Aug. 11. If you're new to Erie Gives Day, it "is a one-day celebration of generosity that brings our entire community together. For 24 powerful hours, thousands of donors from across the country, and even from around the world, rally behind local nonprofits that make Erie County stronger."
Any donation of $25 or more going through the ECF receives a matching donation from a fund that provides all of the Erie Gives nonprofits a boost to the totals they receive on the day. Dubbed "bonus bucks" by the ECF, these funds "are supported by our community partners, and help offset website and credit card fees, increasing the impact of donations. The remaining funds are distributed as a pro-rated match, meaning every donor gift receives a little extra support for the Erie Gives nonprofits." In addition to this year's $673,424 in bonus bucks, the communities of North East, Corry, Union City, and Findley Lake have pledged additional Bonus Bucks contributions of $30,000, $25,000, $15,000 and $5,000 respectively, specifically to bolster the local nonprofits in their communities.
Of course, donating to your favorite nonprofit is welcome any time of the year, but your donation always goes a little further on Erie Gives Day, making the impact of that donation greater. And because these funds come from the public, they are not restricted in the same way grant funding is – the more a nonprofit receives in donations on Erie Gives Day, the greater spending flexibility that organization has.
This year, the ECF building itself is undergoing some upgrades, so celebrations will look a little different than in years past. "Erie Gives has always been about bringing our community together through generosity," said Karen Bilowith, president and CEO of the ECF. "Because The Erie Community Foundation's campus is currently undergoing renovations, we didn't want to miss the opportunity to celebrate this special day with our community. Our neighbors, Erie Insurance, have offered their courtyard for our celebration. We invite everyone to join us as we celebrate the collective generosity that makes Erie such a remarkable place."
The celebration will be located at 100 Erie Insurance Place, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Erie Gives Day. Stop by throughout the day to meet local nonprofit leaders, grab lunch from local food truck vendors, enjoy family-friendly activities, and listen to some live music.
At a time when communities tend to be relying more on nonprofits to fill gaps in federal grant support, those organizations rely upon individual donations more than ever. Vice President of Community Impact Patrick Herr notes, "Many essential nonprofits are right now responding to the growing needs of the people they serve while at the same time facing financial uncertainty within their organizations. Supporting them is not only about sustaining individual organizations, it is about protecting the civic and social infrastructure that helps Erie remain informed, healthy, welcoming, and connected."
Executive Director of the Nonprofit Partnership Adam Bratton concurs. "The entire nonprofit sector is facing considerable challenges while being expected to serve more and more people. Erie Gives is an important community giving vehicle that provides our nonprofits with the resources to do their great work."
And while times are tight for many in Erie, helping out during Erie Gives doesn't have to be just about giving cash. Vice President of External Relations Erin Fessler notes that helping can happen through hosting events to raise money for one's favorite nonprofit, sharing donation links on social media, or championing your favorite nonprofit within the community. "Erie Gives is more than a fundraiser, but also a 'friend-raiser.' It connects nonprofits with new supporters, strengthens existing relationships, and helps our community better understand the incredible work happening throughout Erie County." Additionally, look out for supporting events throughout the region leading up to and on Erie Gives Day.
Make sure you take some time leading up to the big day (during which donations will be open from midnight to midnight – a full 24 hours – just like last year) to familiarize yourself with some of the nonprofits participating.
"I am most looking forward to seeing Erie come together again around the organizations that make our community stronger. Erie Gives raised more than $11 million last year, but what stays with me is the inspirational number of people who chose to participate," Herr shares. "Every gift represents someone identifying a cause they care about and deciding to be part of its success."
Each year, our editors, writers, artists, and designers take a moment to share the nonprofit to which they're planning to donate on Erie Gives Day. Their choices represent the diverse options available on Erie Gives Day and hopefully provide an inspiration to look a little deeper into the needs of the community. We hope you'll feel compelled by this list of nonprofits that are so important to us – and give a little or a lot, as you are able.
(Listed alphabetically by donor's last name)
Who's giving: Liz Allen, contributing writer
Who they are: The mission of Parkinson Partners is "to encourage, educate and support people with Parkinson's Disease (PD) and their families in the Erie region," according to parkinsonpartners.org.
Why I'm giving: Carly Simon just announced that she has been diagnosed with Parkinson's; Harrison Ford's character copes with the disease on Apple TV's Shrinking, with guest appearances by Michael J. Fox, who also has Parkinson's. But Parkinson's hits closer to home for me. My friend's husband was diagnosed seven years ago. Another friend's sister-in-law struggles with it. And a dear former work colleague cared for his wife, a Parkinson's patient, for many years. She died two years ago and my friend died a year later. People with Parkinson's and their families need support. I'm glad Parkinson Partners of NW PA provides that for our region.
Liz previously gave to: Eagle's Nest Leadership Corporation (ENLC), 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
Bonus: Consider a donation to those organizations that offer support or aid in medical research for the disease that has impacted you or your loved ones like The Alzheimer's Association or Cystic Fibrosis Association of Erie County.
The Friends of the Erie County Library
Who's giving: Nathaniel Clark, contributing writer
Who they are: This group is an all-volunteer nonprofit dedicated to the advancement of the Erie County Public Library. The Friends are proud to financially support lifelong learning at every stage of life every year at the highest possible level. Libraries go way beyond traditional book lending to offer engaging educational programs and resources. The Friends continue to fund a diverse variety of classes, events and programs offered at all branches of the Erie County Public Library, the Bookmobile, and outreach activities.
Why I'm giving: As an educator by trade, I consistently advocate for the importance of community-driven and readily-accessible learning opportunities. The Erie County Public Library, with its multiple branches and expansive array of activities, is, and has always been, my first choice when recommending where people can become lifetime learners. As Arthur the Aardvark, created by Erie native Marc Brown, once said: "Having fun isn't hard when you've got a library card!"
Nathaniel previously gave to: expERIEnce Children's Museum
Bonus: For township-specific libraries, you may support Albion, Corry, Findley, Rice Avenue, Union City, or Waterford.
Photo: Erin Phillips
Who's giving: Chloe Forbes, contributing writer
Who they are: Erie Arts and Culture (EAC) is a regional arts agency dedicated to elevating, inspiring, and connecting communities through the arts.
Why I'm giving: EAC has made a name for itself doing one of the most commendable jobs Erie could ask for – cultivating community through art by limiting barriers to access. Whether through dance, music, fine art, theater, folk art, or written storytelling, I've watched the voices of all people be elevated and empowered thanks to EAC.
Chloe previously gave to: McKean Hose Co. and Goodell Gardens & Homestead
Bonus: Check the "Arts and Culture" category at eriegives.org to find the arts advocacy organization that aligns with you best.
Photo: Erin Phillips
Who's giving: Gretchen Gallagher Durney, contributing writer
Who they are: Edinboro Market is a year-round, not-for-profit, 100 percent local grocery store and farm/food business incubator. They provide access to fresh, local food, and an entrepreneurial marketplace for local growers, artisans, and food producers, and they understand the importance of both.
Why I'm giving: I love how their mission is very literally rooted in our community and economy by supporting local growers. They offer retail space, a café/classroom offering cooking and gardening education as well as business classes for new and existing food businesses, and – drum roll – Erie County's first certified shared-use commercial kitchen. The incubator space fans the flames for folks starting or continuing farm businesses and other creative ventures. Supporting them is helping to build a stronger regional food system and lends a hand to folks growing and making food intentionally to feed their neighbors. As someone who helped run a seasonal farmers market in Little Italy for more than a decade, I love their drive to fulfill these needs for all four seasons and foster opportunities that create so many positive ripples in our area and for our ag and food hub. This year, funds will go toward installing an access and security system so folks can use the commercial kitchen after hours. That may not sound very glamorous or be full of frills but is a great and responsible use of the gifts and that is a gleaming thing all on its own!
Gretchen previously gave to: Groundwork Erie
Who's giving: Brian Graham, editor/publisher
Who they are: Founded in 1916, Erie Playhouse is one of the oldest community theaters in the country. Throughout the year, the Playhouse runs youth education programs that have given young people in the region a creative outlet for decades.
Why I'm giving: Over the past few years, my daughter has been attending the Erie Playhouse's Youtheatre Summer Camps and Create-A-Play after school classes. Through these programs, she has gained confidence, cultivated her creativity, and made a few close friends who share her interests. The instructors are kind, patient, and encourage the kids to use their imaginations. A particular highlight has been this year's Lion King summer camp, where in one week's time the kids auditioned, learned their lines, songs, and dance routines, and even designed their own costumes. The week culminated, as most of their youth programs do, with a show put on for friends and family to enjoy. In this era of too much screen time and short attention spans, the Youtheatre programs give Erie-area kids a chance to unplug for a while and tap into their amazing creative potential.
Bonus: One side effect of the Youtheatre programs is that your child is likely to catch the theater bug. If that's the case, the Playhouse puts on full productions every year and encourages kids to audition.
Brian previously gave to: Because You Care / Purrista Cat Cafe, 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
Photo: Erin Phillips
Erie's Blues and Jazz Festival
Who's giving: Jessica Hunter, media editor/photographer
Who they are: For more than three decades, the Erie Blues and Jazz Festival has turned Frontier Park into Erie's living room for one weekend every summer. Founded in 1992 by then-Erie Art Museum director John Vanco – what began as a grassroots gathering became one of the region's most beloved summer traditions – and it's now produced by an all-volunteer nonprofit board that keeps it free and open to everyone. That "free" part isn't magic. It's volunteers working countless hours, and donors stepping up in a big way.
Why I'm giving: The Blues and Jazz Fest is my favorite event in Erie, hands down. It's a summer staple in our house – the two days when everyone we love ends up on the same patch of grass in Frontier Park. Blankets overlap. Snacks get passed down the row. Everything gets shared: the food, the shade, the stories, the music. And the music is why we're there. Blues and jazz carry a lot of history, and none of it was ever meant to be kept to yourself. Look around the park and you'll see all of Erie out there – every age, every neighborhood – because nobody has to buy a ticket to be there. For one weekend, the whole city feels like one big backyard. That's the kind of thing worth protecting. I'm giving so the next 30 years look like the last 30.
Bonus: If you love the fest, consider the organizations around it too – Lake Erie Arboretum at Frontier Park (LEAF), who cares for the park itself, the Harry T. Burleigh Legacy Alliance, honoring the Erie composer at the roots of this music, or Erie Arts & Culture, which keeps artists working across our region.
Jessica previously gave to: WQLN Public Media, 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
Erie Center for Arts and Technology (ECAT)
Who's giving: Erin Phillips, managing editor
Who they are: ECAT is a nonprofit housed in the adaptively reused former Wayne School building on Erie's east side that offers adult career training programs and after-school arts programs for teens, which are all offered at no cost to residents of Erie County.
Why I'm giving: Over the past year I have seen the direct benefit of the programs provided by ECAT, as my daughter joined the Teen Arts after-school program. This completely free program, offered to kids in grades eight through 12, is not just a place for teens to go, but an opportunity for them to follow what drives them creatively and truly grow as artists. Employing teaching artists in multiple media (ceramics, drawing and painting, mixed media, and digital arts), kids can make whatever interests them on any given day, or hone in and focus on a particular inspiration. ECAT teaching artists provide the kids with dinner, aid, expert instruction, and a safe space in which to be teenagers and embrace what makes them unique. Additionally, ECAT's adult programs in construction trades and medical assistantship are also offered at no cost and help folks advance a career without taking on a financial burden in order to do so.
Erin previously gave to: Emmaus Ministries, The Erie Bird Observatory, Friends of the Erie County Library, Erie Arts and Culture, Asbury Woods, and Our West Bayfront
Bonus: Consider other after-school, arts based programs like Dafmark Dance Theater, The Neighborhood Art House, or the Erie Junior Philharmonic.
Photo: ECAT
Who's giving: Dan Schank, contributing writer
Who they are: An organization devoted to celebrating, supporting, and protecting LGBTQIA+ youth in Erie. Lately, they've been collaborating with lots of other noteworthy businesses and organizations. Open mic nights for Pride Month at the 1020 Collective, an art show at Ember + Forge in partnership with Aging with Pride, Chat n' Chill events at the Erie Food Co-op, and an upcoming, gender-affirming shopping spree at Macy's to ring in the school year.
Why I'm giving: Compton's Table has seen some highs and lows this year. A grassroots campaign to find a permanent home has generated substantial success. Concurrently, homophobia (and transphobia in particular) is on the rise. We see it on the national level through Supreme Court rulings and the ugly rhetoric of the Trump administration. And it is trickling down locally as well – showing up in petty remarks at our city council meetings. Donating to Compton's is one way to remind ourselves that we're better than this.
Dan previously gave to: The Multicultural Community Resource Center, NWPA Pride Alliance, Inc., and The Erie County Community College of PA
Northwest PA Chapter of Trout Unlimited
Who's giving: Bryan Toy, contributing artist/writer
Who they are: A group of passionate conservationists who dedicate themselves to clean water access, conservation, preservation of natural resources, and environmental education.
Why I'm giving: You want to save the planet for the next generation? You won't do it by fretting about climate change on social media. The way to do it is to get the next generation to love the Earth. This group is doing just that, with outreach that includes mentoring kids by actually taking them fishing. They teach biology by showing kids the practical art of fly-tying. They help our state conservationists by stocking fish so kids have a reason to go out and enjoy nature. They are conserving our wild places one person at a time, one stream at a time, and it's a beautiful thing.
Bryan previously gave to: McCord Memorial Library
Photo: CAM Erie
Who's giving: Adam Welsh, editor/publisher
Who they are: You may know them best for their reliable coverage of Erie 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. As acting operations manager DeAngelo Dixon (Erie's 40 Under 40 Class of 2026) recently told us: "My goal is to help build a stronger creative community that inspires people to believe bigger about what's possible in Erie and remind others that your dreams never die."
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
Erie Gives Day is happening on Tuesday, Aug. 11 from midnight to midnight. Donate by going online to eriegives.org during that time period or give by phone by calling 814.454.0843, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
