We are excited to welcome 34 nonprofit organizations participating in Erie Gives for the first time! These dedicated groups provide vital services and support that strengthen our community in countless ways. From addressing food insecurity and promoting health to supporting education and enhancing quality of life, each organization plays an important role in making Erie a better place to live. Learn more about the impactful work they do and how they contribute to the well-being of our region below, and be sure to check out and bookmark their Erie Gives profiles to support them on Erie Gives.
Authentic Wellness & Empowerment:
Authentic Wellness & Empowerment is not your typical counseling office. They are aiming to help people move from stress and survival to clarity and courage. They offer services that are rooted in trauma-informed empowerment. Individual therapy sessions, group healing circles, retreats, and their interactive growth-experiences (AweVentures) are some of the services they offer to individuals and groups of all ages.
Canine Crusaders
Canine Crusaders is a non-profit organization composed of individuals who donate their time to safely, expeditiously, and methodically reunite lost dogs with their owners & capture and secure strays in Erie County and the surrounding communities. Our services are free of charge to those we provide assistance to. In our first year of operations, we helped 50+ dogs find their way back home or to a safe place.
Corry High School Alumni Association
Corry High School Alumni Association was established in 1874 and was incorporated in 1929. It is the oldest continuous alumni association in the United States, maintaining an annual meeting each year, including 2020, which was held without a dinner due to restrictions. The alumni association works to honor tradition, celebrate the alumni and continue to support orange & black pride through the annual alumni dinner, Corry Homecoming festivities and senior student activities throughout the year.
Corry Rotary Club
The Corry Rotary Club is a local chapter of Rotary International based in Corry, Pennsylvania. Comprised of community-minded volunteers and leaders, the club focuses on service above self, supporting local and global initiatives through fundraising, volunteer work, and civic engagement. In Corry, the Rotary Club is known for contributing to youth
programs, scholarships, community improvement projects, and efforts that promote health, education, and economic development.
Edinboro Food Pantry
The Edinboro Food Pantry is a nonprofit organization based in Edinboro, Pennsylvania, dedicated to providing food assistance to individuals and families in need throughout the local community. Operated by volunteers, the pantry offers essential groceries and support with compassion and dignity, helping to reduce food insecurity in the region.
Edinboro Youth Wrestling Club
Edinboro Youth Wrestling was established in 1972 with the goal of giving kids a place to not only learn how to wrestle but to shaping the next generation—on and off the mat. Our mission is to help every child, regardless of their background, grow into a confident, disciplined, and respectful individual who can face life’s challenges head-on. EYWC isn’t just about winning matches; it’s about building strong, capable humans who lead with integrity and never stop striving to improve.
Erie to Pittsburgh Trail Alliance
The Erie to Pittsburgh Trail Alliance is a coalition of non-profit organizations, local municipalities, supporters and advocates affiliated with the Erie to Pittsburgh Trail corridor in Western Pennsylvania. With the vision of non-motorized, multi-use trails, and local connectors linking Erie to Pittsburgh through the experience of small towns, rural landscapes, historical sites and cultural areas, tied to the regional trail and beyond. The Alliance’s mission is to advocate for the development of the continuous trail to assist our local partners by sharing expertise and resources, to promote the trail for its regional significance and encourage larger and broader connections.
Erie Veterans Behavioral Health Council
The purpose of the Erie Veterans Behavioral Health Council shall be to provide a forum for members to express their views and opinions, without fear of reprisal, regarding VA services. The council ensures that all Veterans receive the highest quality out of the services available to them, both at the Department of Veterans Affairs, and within the community, to support achieving their greatest degree of independence. It is made up completely of Veteran volunteers and supported by the medical center’s Local Recovery
Coordinator (LRC) to help carry out the council’s mission, and assist Veterans in non-traditional ways.
Fairview Community Council
The Fairview Community Council (FCC) is a coalition of local organizations committed to enriching and strengthening the Fairview area.
Together, we work to make a positive impact through community-driven initiatives such as: awarding scholarships to Fairview High School seniors, organizing the annual Fairview Holiday Food Basket program to support local families in need, restoring the Memorial Monument at Buseck Park, and supporting and maintaining the “Welcome to Fairview” signs. Your generosity makes these efforts possible. With your continued support, we can keep building a stronger, more connected Fairview for everyone.
Faith Lutheran Church
We are embarking on a project to enrich the lives of our congregation and friends through the beauty of a new organ. This will significantly enhance our music program and add to our worship experience. All members, friends, and the community are invited to participate in this worthy and lasting project. Your donations, towards a new organ, will help us continue to keep music in our sanctuary—one note, one gift at a time!
Findley Lake & Mina Historical Society
From the beginning, our mission has been to share the history of the Town of Mina and Findley Lake, the hamlet within. This is accomplished by having programs and tours, recording the community events and interviews of the Elders. Also, by working in cooperation with The Town of Mina Board and the Town Historian.
Findley Lake Watershed Foundation
The Findley Lake Watershed Foundation’s (FLWF) mission is to deliver projects and programs that will result in the long-term improvement and preservation of the lake water quality, environment and wildlife areas and to enhance the community’s use and enjoyment of the lake. Findley Lake is a picturesque 300 acre lake located in Chautauqua County, NY. Since its creation in 1815 by Alexander Findley, it has been enjoyed by many for all types of water activities such as fishing, boating, sailing, kayaking, swimming, skiing and ice fishing in the winter.
Future Focused Academy
At Future Focused Academy, we believe every young adult deserves the tools, support, and confidence to build a successful future—no matter where they start. Our program combines hands-on classes, professional mentoring, field trips to local organizations, and one-on-one support to help participants unlock their full potential. From learning how to budget and build credit, to mastering professional etiquette and exploring career pathways, our students leave with more than knowledge—they leave with a plan.
Harper Ray Foundation
Harper Ray Foundation’s purpose is to be a Ray of everlasting light, hope & faith during a family’s darkest times after the death of a precious child. They provide compassionate, comprehensive & continuous care to families grieving the loss of a child at any time. The whole family is supported. Harper Ray Foundation offers various peer support services, as well as birth & bereavement doula support services, supporting the 1 in 4 families who experience the death of a baby during pregnancy, delivery or early infancy. Support planning a child’s funeral, memorial, cremation, burial, and/or celebration of life is provided. As funds allow, Harper Ray Foundation provides handcrafted funeral supplies to parents and families referred through various sources, such as, funeral homes, doulas and hospitals mainly within the State of Pennsylvania, for babies gone to Heaven too soon
Independent Council on Aging
The Independent Council on Aging (ICA) in Erie, Pennsylvania is a nonprofit organization committed to enhancing the quality of life for older adults in the Erie area. ICA brings together local agencies, service providers, and advocates to support seniors through education, resources, and community events, including the popular 50+ Senior Expo. Their mission focuses on promoting independence, dignity, and well-being for aging individuals.
Kind Veg aka Compassionate Actions Project
Kind Veg provides local food pantries with healthy plant foods. As we have become more known in our community, social service agencies began contacting us, asking if we would provide food for their clients. We are committed to helping agencies such as the Mental Health Association, International Institute of Erie, Liberty House, and The Refuge to name just a few. Our work is volunteer driven and a labor of love, helping people obtain nutritious foods! Also, we help save animals used in the food industry by not offering foods that contain animal ingredients. We are an environmentally conscious food pantry, that helps to reduce global warming
Lake Canadohta Historical Society
We devote our efforts in developing a history center that gives back to our community through respect. This center will honor the unique historic cultural heritage of the Lake Canadohta area. In this way, we can develop our community’s future through education, environmental awareness, and historic preservation. It is our goal to develop an awareness of our community’s uniqueness so that our children and those who come after us will understand their place in history. In doing so, it is our hope that they will have a strong foundation from which to write the future of Lake Canadohta.
McKean Hose Company
The McKean Hose Company in McKean, Pennsylvania, is a volunteer fire department committed to protecting the community through fire suppression, rescue services, and emergency response. Staffed by dedicated volunteers, the department serves the borough of McKean and surrounding areas, emphasizing safety, rapid response, and community involvement. They also participate in public education and local events to promote fire prevention and preparedness.
Mellon Heritage Veterans Outreach Center
Mellon Heritage Veterans Outreach Campus shines as a beacon of support and empowerment for veterans and first responders, guiding those who’ve served with honor into the next chapter of their lives with dignity and success. The Mellon Heritage Outreach Campus sits on 66 acres and maintains 100,000 sq ft of service facilities, ensuring we have room to help all veterans, first responders, and those in need.
Methodist Towers, Inc.
Methodist Towers opened in 1972 and has been in continuous operation since then providing senior housing. It contains 135 units on 12 floors, of which 59 are section 8 housing. In March of 2022 the building was sold to Methodist Towers Community Partners and utilized $8M of PA Low Income Housing Tax Credit to remodel and rehabilitate the property. Methodist Towers, Inc. the original owner retains a first right of refusal to buy back the building in the year 2037 for $100. There is a 15 year compliance period when using PA state money, after which the current owners have no further interest in the building. It is the goal of the MTI board to retake ownership and give the building back to the First United Methodist Church. One interesting fact is that Ed Doll was a long-time member of the church and a historic figure in the success of both the Church and the Erie Community Foundation.
North Coast Brass
The mission of North Coast Brass is to provide men and women, both young and old, a fun and enriching musical performance experience. We represent and serve our community with pride and the tradition of excellence and entertainment that defines us. Our membership ranges from high school students to retirees, and includes alumni of DCI and DCA corps, as well as young members aspiring to perform in full sized DCI corps in the future. People of talent of all ages are welcome to join North Coast Brass.
North East Little Grape Pickers
We are excited to share the mission of our organization: to enrich the lives of individuals and families by providing accessible, inclusive, and engaging recreational opportunities for all ages. We believe in fostering a sense of belonging while strengthening community bonds. Our programs offer a diverse range of activities that not only promote physical participation but also emphasize the importance of discipline, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Each participant is mentored to ensure a positive and enriching experience. We are proud to structure our organization for cost-effectiveness, ensuring that no child will be turned away. For those families in need of assistance to join a sport, we have sponsors ready to help with those needs.
Northwest Pennsylvania Football Coaches Association
Northwest Pennsylvania Football Coaches Association (NWPFCA) is a nonprofit organization committed to supporting and advancing scholastic football across our region. Our mission extends beyond the sidelines — we are dedicated to nurturing student-athletes, uniting coaches, and promoting the health and values of school-based athletics in alignment with the State Department’s Health Program and the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (P.I.A.A.).
NuAngelDOTorg
NuAngel.org exists with the primary goal to acquire computers, particularly serviceable laptops, and give them a new lease on life by finding them a deserving home of people who need them completely free of charge. By servicing and refurbishing them himself, Garrett simultaneously upcycles computers while giving a “hand-me-up” to someone who deserves it! Additionally, Garrett believes in the importance of demystifying and explaining technology. Education being a core component of the NuAngel Dot Org mission, Garrett has offered computer classes free to the public through the Corry Hi-Ed, which he has a deep-rooted connection to.
Our Lady of Mercy Parish
Our Lady of Mercy Parish is a close-knit faith community dedicated to growing together in faith, service, and fellowship. Like balancing a teeter-totter, the parish faces financial challenges with its 2025–2026 budget running a deficit. However, through cooperation and collective effort, the parish strives to maintain its vitality and continue its important outreach programs. Parishioners are encouraged to contribute according to their ability, ensuring that Our Lady of Mercy remains a vibrant place of worship and service for years to come. The parish deeply values the generosity and partnership of its members as they move forward on this shared journey.
Pennsylvania Elks Major Projects
Since 1963, the PA Elks Home Service Program has been helping to improve the quality of life for thousands of children and adults throughout Pennsylvania. We provide support and advocacy services to individuals of any age with a developmental disability. Some ways the Elks Home Service Program can help are by providing in-home coordination service, advocacy for an individual’s legal and human rights, provide information regarding available resources and services, and more.
Presque Isle Neighborhood Network
Presque Isle Neighborhood Network (PINN) is a community-driven nonprofit dedicated to strengthening the neighborhoods surrounding Presque Isle State Park in Millcreek Township, PA. We engage residents in shaping their communities, enhance public spaces through beautification projects, and advocate for improvements to our neighborhoods. Our mission is to make our neighborhood a more vibrant, welcoming and connected place to live.
Second Baptist Church Impact Ministries- SBCIM
Second Baptist Church’s Impact Ministries is a non-profit organization dedicated to the transformative power of opportunity. It empowers the residents of Erie’s Lower East Side and surrounding communities by equipping them, especially youth and young adults, with the skills, resources, and confidence needed toward career development, particularly in the burgeoning healthcare sector and beyond.
Serenade for Service
Serenade for Service, a Pennsylvania-based nonprofit, uplifts spirits through free, student-led music concerts. Our mission is to bring the healing power of music to Nursing Homes, Hospice, and The Sight Center. Located in Erie, PA, we are dedicated to expanding our outreach and services to spread joy and comfort through music.
Spartansburg Events
Our mission is to bring people together to strengthen community pride, support local needs, and raise funds for meaningful projects that enhance the quality of life in our town. We organize a variety of local events—such as festivals, fundraisers, and gatherings—that not only foster a sense of togetherness but also serve as vital funding sources for community improvements. The proceeds from these events are reinvested directly into Spartansburg to support special projects such as educational scholarships, recreational improvements, and town beautification efforts.
Taradoodles Toybox of Erie
Taradoodles Toybox of Erie’s mission is to ensure every child, from birth through their teenage years—especially those with special needs and often-overlooked teens—feels celebrated and valued. We provide toys, books, games, and comforting items year-round, offering a chance for play, growth, and joy, especially when life presents challenges and families face difficult choices.
The Crate Escape Crisis Comfort
The Crate Escape Crisis Comfort program was born out of one simple belief: No one should have to choose between getting help and keeping their pet. We provide free, temporary care to pets whose owners are experiencing crisis—whether that’s hospitalization, domestic violence, homelessness, or rehabilitation. While their humans get the help they need, their pets stay safe, loved, and out of the shelter system.
The DiVittorio Center for Autism
The DiVittorio Center for Autism was born from a deeply personal journey—one rooted in love, frustration, and an unwavering desire to create change. When my son was diagnosed with profound autism and labelled as nonverbal, I searched everywhere for the right services to support him. What I found was a devastating lack of options—waitlists that stretched on for years and programs that didn’t begin to address the unique needs of children like mine. We are committed to supporting individuals with autism and their families from the moment of diagnosis through age 22. Our center offers a continuum of care—from early intervention and personalized therapy to medical support and transition planning—tailored specifically for those with significant needs. I know firsthand how overwhelming the road can be, and we’re here to ensure that no parent ever has to navigate it alone.
Times Old Newsies Association
The Times Old Newsies Association is a longtime community group connected to the Erie Times-News in Erie, Pennsylvania. Originally formed by former newspaper carriers (“newsies”) of the Erie Times-News, the association preserves the history and
camaraderie of those who delivered the newspaper. They often engage in charitable activities and community events, maintaining a connection to the Erie Times-News and celebrating its role in the local community.