Contact: Erin D. Fessler
VP of Marketing & Comm/Gov Relations
(w) 814.413.7512
(c) 814.873.2630
With the support of community partners, The Erie Community Foundation announced what’s new to the 15th Annual Erie Gives 2025, which will take place on Tuesday, August 12th at ErieGives.org and at the Foundation, 459 West 6th Street.
“We are excited about the 15th annual event! Every day at The Erie Community Foundation we inspire, engage and empower donors and communities to create a united, vibrant region for all,” said Erie Community Foundation President & CEO Karen Bilowith. “Erie Gives meets that mission, inspiring thousands of donors, engaging corporate and community partners and empowering hundreds of nonprofits, all leading to a healthier, more economically vibrant and culturally rich community.”
What’s new for Erie Gives?
No fees! This year, the record-breaking Bonus Bucks pool of over $630K will cover the fees and provide a pro-rated match to all Erie Gives nonprofits, that receive a donation.
Over its 15-year history, Erie Gives has raised over $66.3M for local nonprofits. The year 2025 marks the 15th anniversary of Erie Gives, which was first introduced in 2011 to celebrate the Foundation’s 75th anniversary. Erie Gives provides vital financial support to nonprofits and helps nonprofits cultivate lasting relationships with new donors.
“As of today, 539 nonprofits are registered for Erie Gives and 34 are new to Erie Gives,” Bilowith added. During the press conference, Bilowith introduced the community partners for Erie Gives Bonus Bucks pro-rated match pool.
SPECIAL THANKS TO…
GOLD COMMUNITY PARTNERS:
Erie Insurance, The Erie Community Foundation, Wabtec Corporation
SILVER COMMUNITY PARTNERS:
Presque Isle Downs Casino
BRONZE PARTNERS:
Greater Erie Economic Development Corporation, Erie Bank, The Plastek Group, Knox Law
COPPER PARTNERS
Custom Engineering, Logistics +, National Fuel, Industrial Sales & Manufacturing, Inc., MacDonald Illig Attorneys, Velocity Network, The Hilbert Family, American Tinning & Galvanizing Company
SUPPORTIVE IN-KIND PARTNERS
Community Access Media (CAM), Cumulus Radio, Erie News Now, Erie Times News, Erie Reader, Fox 66, GoErie.com, Happi 92.7, i-Heart Radio, LECOM Radio, Talk Erie Radio, The Nonprofit Partnership, WPSE Radio, WJET TV and YourErie.com.
“Their collective support has generated a remarkable BONUS BUCKS match pool of over $630,000!” Bilowith said. “Those dollars will be distributed to the participating nonprofits based on percentages of dollars raised at the end of the day.”
The Erie Community Foundation representatives announced the details of the Block Party, which will take place on Erie Gives, Tuesday, August 12th from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. During this time, local mascots will be in attendance and there will be live entertainment from various music-focused nonprofits, as well as activities from the expERIEnce Children’s Museum, Bookmobile of the Erie Regional Library and bocce with Special Olympic athletes. Food trucks, such as Smiley’s, E-Dogs and Waffle Miracle, will be joining for the lunchtime hour.
Later in the evening, from 4:30 p.m. until 6 p.m., there will be a sweet treat social. Join us for ice cream from Alsie’s, Donuts from Peace, Love & Little Donuts and Vegan treats from Sundae Gourmet. Additionally, Tom DiVecchio will be broadcasting the weather live. Community members are encouraged to attend to join in on the fun of collective giving.
Donors also can submit the name of a favorite nonprofit to win a random drawing of a $500 grant, which will take place on Facebook live at 1:30 p.m.
The community-spirited day of giving always takes place the second Tuesday in August online at www.ErieGives.org, and at the Foundation, 459 West 6th Street, where donors can drop off checks in support of their favorite nonprofits. Donors can give online, by check or by using their IRA’s RMD.
Erie Gives has raised over $66.3 Million for local nonprofits as follows:
| Year | Nonprofit | Donors | Amount Raised |
| 2011 | 212 | 2,770 | $776,435 |
| 2012 | 257 | 3,843 | $1,233,888 |
| 2013 | 301 | 4,613 | $1,738,236 |
| 2014 | 313 | 5,465 | $2,271,693 |
| 2015 | 336 | 6,466 | $2,843,371 |
| 2016 | 354 | 7,395 | $3,451,087 |
| 2017 | 374 | 7,685 | $4,427,877 |
| 2018 | 386 | 7,945 | $4,471,123 |
| 2019 | 393 | 8,976 | $5,569,161 |
| 2020 | 422 | 11,482 | $6,358,146 |
| 2021 | 438 | 10,808 | $7,057,176 |
| 2022 | 467 | 11,234 | $8,178,207 |
| 2023 | 492 | 10,234 | $8,269,362 |
| 2024 | 513 | 11,000 | $9,702,609 |
For more information about Erie Gives 2025, including how to participate and support favorite nonprofits, please visit ErieGives.org.
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The Erie Community Foundation’s mission is to inspire, engage and empower donors and communities across the region, today and tomorrow. We envision a united, vibrant and thriving region for all.