Connor Simon, representing the Wayne County Community Foundation, receives a proclamation for the sixth annual NEPA Gives Day from county commissioners Jocelyn Cramer (left) and chairperson Brian Smith (right) on May 29, 2025. Commissioner James Shook was absent. The online donation opportunity for regional nonprofit organizations is slated from 7 p.m. June 5 through 7 p.m. June 6, 2025. (Photo: USA Today Network)
The sixth annual 24-hour NEPA Gives fundraising event, in which numerous nonprofit organizations in northeastern Pennsylvania receive online donations, is set for 7 p.m. June 5 through 7 p.m. June 6.
Connor Simon, representing the Wayne County Community Foundation (WCCF), made the announcement to the county commissioners on May 28. He said that WCCF is one of seven foundations in the region partnering in this extravaganza of donating.
“This proves to be one of the best and easiest days of philanthropy for a lot of our nonprofits in the sense that it is incredibly effective fundraiser,” Simon stated. “For every $100 for local nonprofits, it only costs about $2.50 in output, so that is a really good return.”
Most exciting for local nonprofits, he added, is that sponsors provide bonus prizes awarded based on meeting certain criteria. Donors, for instance, could make a $10 donation within a certain time frame and their gift becomes $1,000. “Those are sprinkled all throughout the course of the event, which makes it really extra effective for our nonprofits participating.”
During the designated 24 hours, a donor may search online for the nonprofit originations they may wish to help. One may search by specific organization, location and/or cause.
He estimated that in 2024, between $1.3 and $1.4 million was collected among the seven community foundations. The website states that since 2020, over $4.8 million has been raised.
The event started in 2020 when 167 nonprofits received over $500,000 for their varied causes.
“It is really making a difference,” Commissioner Chairperson Brian Smith said. “It is really helping a lot of different efforts. NEPA Gives Day really has turned out to be a great thing.”
“It really doesn’t surprise me, because we have a really generous community,” Commissioner Jocelyn Cramer said.
A kickoff party is planned at The Cooperage Project at 1030 Main St., Honesdale, on June 5 from 6 to 8 p.m., Simon stated.
The partnering foundations are Scranton Area Community Foundation, Carbon County Community Foundation, The Luzerne Foundation, Greater Pike Community Foundation, Wayne County Community Foundation, and Community Foundation for the Twin Tiers.
Online donations will be accepted at nepagives.org.
Reporting by Peter Becker, Tri-County Independent / Tri-County Independent
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