By Martin Alfaro
Philly Gives, the community giving initiative launched by Philadelphia Foundation in partnership with the Lenfest Institute for Journalism and supported by a grant from the William Penn Foundation, has surpassed $1.06M raised in its second year, strengthening vital nonprofit services across the Greater Philadelphia region.
The milestone reflects combined support from individual donors, foundations, and corporate partners. The donations were distributed equally among 10 high-impact nonprofit organizations addressing urgent needs, including housing stability, food access, healthcare, youth development, workforce support, and services for immigrant and refugee communities.
“Philly Gives continues to show what’s possible when community generosity is paired with trusted storytelling,” said Pedro A. Ramos, President and CEO of Philadelphia Foundation. “Crossing the $1M mark in year two is a testament to the power of collaboration and to donors who believe deeply in the work our nonprofit partners do daily.”
Launched in 2024, Philly Gives was envisioned by Dr. Janet Haas, a practicing physician and emeritus Chair of the William Penn Foundation, to grow individual philanthropy by connecting compelling journalism with meaningful giving opportunities.
In its first year, the initiative delivered $650,000 in total support to nine nonprofit partners. In year two, the campaign expanded its reach and impact, culminating in more than $1.06 million raised for ten nonprofit partners, with funds distributed evenly to support their work.
“Philly Gives was created with a simple but ambitious goal, to inspire generosity by helping people understand the deep impact of nonprofits in their communities,” said Dr. Janet Haas. “Seeing this initiative grow and surpass $1M in its second year affirms the power of storytelling, trust, and collective giving to create meaningful change.”
A defining feature of Philly Gives is its unique partnership with the region’s leading news organizations, including 6abc, The Philadelphia Inquirer, The Philadelphia Tribune, Impacto, New Mainstream Press, Philadelphia Gay News, and WURD Radio. Through sustained, multilingual reporting, these outlets have helped elevate nonprofit stories and connect donors directly to community needs.
The 2025 Philly Gives nonprofit partners include:
- Attic Youth Center
- Catholic Charities of Philadelphia
- Children’s Crisis Treatment Center
- Congreso de Latinos Unidos
- Esperanza
- Project HOME
- Jewish Family and Children’s Services of Greater Philadelphia
- Philabundance
- SEAMAAC
- SHARE Food Program
Together, these organizations provide hands-on, life-changing services to thousands of individuals and families across the region. Philly Gives’ second-year success was made possible by the generosity of anchor and returning funders, including Comcast, Connelly Foundation, Bank of America, Patricia Kind Family Foundation, Independence Foundation, and Hamilton Family Charitable Trust, as well as individual donors across Greater Philadelphia.
As Philly Gives closes out its second year, the initiative reinforces a simple but powerful idea: when communities give together, informed by trusted local journalism, meaningful and lasting impact follows.
Media Contact: Martin Alfaro, Project Manager, martin@alfaroconsulting.company
About Philly Gives Philly Gives is a philanthropic initiative launched by Philadelphia Foundation in partnership with the Lenfest Institute for Journalism and supported by a grant from the William Penn Foundation. This community-driven fund aims to uplift selected nonprofits addressing critical needs in Greater Philadelphia. Philly Gives connects donors with nonprofits, fostering a culture of giving that supports the region’s most vulnerable communities. All donations go directly to the nonprofits involved, making a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and families across the area. For more information or to donate, visit www.phillygives.org.
About Philadelphia Foundation
Philadelphia Foundation is one of the country’s first publicly supported community foundations and the largest devoted to improving lives in Greater Philadelphia. For over a century, community members, civic and business sector leaders, and nonprofit organizations have turned to us for partnership and collaboration in responding to community needs and creating opportunities for impact. In our work as a civic catalyst, trusted partner, and strategic problem-solver, we seek to strengthen the economic, social, and civic vitality of the region. Our philosophy is that providing civic and community leadership is necessary for effective philanthropic leadership. For more information, visit www.philafound.org.