It was another record year for Centre Gives, which for the first time surpassed $3 million to support of local nonprofit organizations.
Centre Foundation‘s 15th annual 36-hour online giving event concluded on Thursday night with $3,077,294 generated for 235 organizations that serve the local community. It included 18,330 individual gifts, along with a stretch pool of $500,000 provided by the Hamer Foundation and Centre Foundation.
The total surpassed the previous mark of $2,837,295 through 17,841 gifts gifts set in 2025.
“This year’s Centre Gives was an incredible reflection of what’s possible when a community comes together around a shared purpose,” David Lieb, president and CEO of Centre Foundation, said. “To see Centre County invest more than $3 million into local nonprofits in just 36 hours speaks volumes about the generosity of the people who live here, and their appreciation of the important role nonprofit organizations play in strengthening lives across our region every day.”
Since its inception in 2012, Centre Gives has now raised more than $25.5 million for organizations working in the areas of arts, animals, education, environment and health and social services
Donors could give to their nonprofits of choice with gifts of $10 or more. Gifts during Centre Gives were boosted by the stretch pool, which allows organizations to earn additional funds with each donation received, as well as nearly $40,000 in prizes, many of which were provided by corporate sponsors.
Centre County PAWS had the largest total raised and most unique donors among all participating organizations with $128,356 from 647 donors.
“As we close the book on his year’s Centre Gives, all we can say is: Wow. Thank you, Centre County!” PAWS wrote in a social media post. “Your support equals hundreds of animals in loving new homes and thousands of animals spayed, neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped. Your donations during Centre Gives will help us save lives in the months to come and we are so grateful for your continued support of our life-saving work.
“Again, THANK YOU for helping us provide care through every chapter for the cats and dogs that come through our doors.”
Among small organizations, Centre Wildlife Care had the highest total and most donors with $62,076 from 387 donors.
Prizes of $500 were awarded to the top 10 small and large organizations with the most unique donors.
Small Organizations
Centre Wildlife Care
Nittany Beagle Rescue
The Hundred Cat Foundation
Bellefonte Art Museum for Centre County
Hope’s Dream Rescue and Sanctuary
Pennsylvania Chamber Orchestra
Soroptimist International of Centre County
State College Area Roller Derby
State College Music Boosters
Penns Valley Conservation Association
Large Organizations
Centre County PAWS
Schlow Library Foundation
Centre Volunteers in Medicine
State College Food Bank
Pets Come First
Out of the Cold: Centre County
ClearWater Conservancy
Centre Safe
Housing Transitions
Park Forest Preschool
To see other prize winners, individual fundraising totals and more information about Centre Gives, visit centregives.org.
“Centre Gives continues to demonstrate the power of collective giving and community momentum,” Nathaniel Rasmussen, community impact director at Centre Foundation, said. “Beyond the dollars invested, this event helps strengthen connections between nonprofits, donors, businesses, volunteers and communities across Centre County. It’s inspiring to watch people rally around organizations that make such a meaningful difference every day.”
