Nonprofits across the country—and right here in Delaware County—are navigating a period of deep uncertainty. With federal funding cuts and shifting policies, the very organizations that provide essential services to our communities are under increasing pressure.

These are the nonprofits that keep families housed, provide access to healthcare, support mental health, feed children, foster the arts, and protect animals. They are the backbone of our region’s safety net and contribute so much to our vibrant community.

And yet, even as challenges grow, so does the opportunity for all of us to step up.

That’s where Delco Gives comes in.

Taking place May 8–9, 2025, and hosted by The Foundation for Delaware County, Delco Gives is more than a 24-hour fundraising event—it’s a celebration of our collective generosity and community resilience. Last year, more than 9,600 donors raised over $1.7 million for 281 local nonprofits. This year, with over 300 organizations participating, we have the chance to do even more.

In times like these, private philanthropy cannot fully replace public dollars, but it can stabilize and sustain critical work. Your support, especially through an event like Delco Gives, sends a clear message: Delaware County takes care of its own.

Here’s how you can make a difference right now:

1. Give—and Give Flexibly

Whether it’s $10 or $1,000, your gift matters. Last year, the median donation was only $30, proving that every gift counts. Through Delco Gives, every donation is amplified with bonus funds and prizes, making your gift go further.

2. Tell Your Story, Encourage Others

Your voice is powerful. Talk about the causes you care about and why you give. You can share social posts promoting Delco Gives or start a peer-to-peer fundraiser and ask your friends to support a local cause.

When you share, you inspire others to act.

3. Engage Your Workplace

Does your employer offer matching gifts or sponsorship opportunities? Get them involved! Businesses can amplify their impact through prize sponsorships, volunteer teams, and public support. Contact Laura Sindoni: [email protected] to learn more about sponsorships.

4. Volunteer

Volunteers help make this event possible! Anyone interested in supporting Delco Gives by donating their time can explore volunteer opportunities here!

5. Celebrate Our Community Spirit

Delco Gives is also about coming together to show your support for our local nonprofit community. Join us at Rose Tree Park on May 9 from 5 to 7:30 PM for a free celebration with live music, food trucks, family activities, local beer and wine, and more than 150 nonprofits in attendance. You can find a full list of events here.

6. Trust Nonprofits to Lead

The people on the frontlines of this work are experts. They’re adapting daily, finding innovative solutions, and often are doing more with less. Your trust—and your unrestricted support—gives them the flexibility to lead effectively.

At The Foundation for Delaware County, we believe in the power of community generosity. We see firsthand how people like you are stepping up to support a vibrant, resilient nonprofit sector—one that is essential to our shared future.

Delco Gives is a moment. Your generosity makes it a movement.

Let’s show up for our nonprofits the way they show up for us—every single day. Visit delcogives.org to learn more, give, or get involved.

Katy Lichtenstein is Vice President of Communications for The Foundation for Delaware County.