On Friday, nonprofit organizations in Northeast Pennsylvania will be asking community members to donate during a 24-hour online giving extravaganza that’s all about giving back to the community.

More than 240 nonprofit organizations from eight counties, including 10 based in Carbon County, will participate in this year’s event, making it the largest single day of philanthropy in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

NEPA Gives raises awareness about the critical work nonprofits carry out across the region and aims to help charitable organizations raise much-needed funds, especially during these challenging times.

The event is being hosted by the Carbon County Community Foundation, in partnership with the Luzerne Foundation, Greater Pike Community Foundation, Wayne County Community Foundation, the Community Foundation of the Endless Mountains, the Northeastern Pennsylvania Nonprofit & Community Assistance Center, and other community sponsors.

“NEPA Gives is an easy way for members of the community to support the region’s nonprofit organizations,” said Sharon Alexander, president of the Carbon County Community Foundation. “Even more exciting, donors have the chance to double their impact - the sponsoring foundations and community partners have secured more than $450,000 in incentives, bonuses and matching funds for participating nonprofits.”

Some of the matching dollars are restricted to specific counties or types of organizations. Other incentives can be earned through fun challenges throughout the day, like the Sun Salutation Award, which unlocks an extra $500 for the organization with the highest number of unique donors at 5:55 a.m. - sunrise on Friday.

The Carbon County organizations that are participating this year include the Carbon County Community Foundation, the Dimmick Memorial Library, Family Promise of Carbon County, Friends of Lansford Recreation, the Kidder Hike & Bike Trail Fund, the Lehigh River Watershed Fund, the Lehighton Area Memorial Library, the Penny Allison Early Childhood Fund, Raising the House, and the Sword Tag Society.

“More than 50% of our funding comes from individual donors, community organizations, grants that we write, and campaigns like this. NEPA Gives is going to be a really good opportunity to help us, especially during these times when it’s so challenging and funding has been cut in all kinds of ways,” said Melissa Hawk, director of the Lehighton Area Memorial Library. “We use the money that the community gives us and put it back into the community for everyone. And we’re here no matter who you are or what you need; we’ll find a way to help you.”

Members of the community wishing to contribute during NEPA Gives can visit www.nepagives.org any time between 12:01 a.m. and 11:59 p.m. on Friday, to make a secure donation to any of the 240 participating nonprofit organizations.

This is the second year for NEPA Gives. Last year, the inaugural event raised $523,683 for 167 nonprofit organizations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Carbon County Community Foundation is a 501c3 organization that serves as an umbrella for several distinct charitable funds, all with the mission of improving the quality of life for Carbon County residents, now and forever.

Community members and groups with an interest in supporting the Carbon County region can establish funds under the CCCF umbrella to support the charitable causes of most importance to them. Community members can also choose to contribute to any of the funds that already exist under the CCCF umbrella. Further details about the Community Foundation can be found at www.cccfoundpa.org.