This area is blessed with many fine and effective non-profit organizations that do a wide variety of beneficial work for the people of this area, but to do so, they require financial support. This support provides the lifeblood for these fine organizations to do their beneficial work for others. “Raise the Region®,” taking place March 11 and 12, will help to provide this financial lifeblood.
Raise the Region® is a powerful 30-hour online giving campaign that unites community members in supporting local nonprofits. This initiative is designed to highlight and empower the vital work of these organizations, enabling them to address the growing needs of North Central Pennsylvania and create more vibrant communities.
Organized by the First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania, Raise the Region® fosters individual giving through a strategic and unified effort that benefits participating nonprofits. Generous support from Blaise Alexander Family Dealerships, including stretching donations and cash prizes, inspires charitable contributions and demonstrates the transformative impact of investing locally.
By participating in this focused campaign, nonprofits increase their online presence, raise awareness for their missions, and secure much-needed resources to strengthen communities and thrive throughout the year.
“Raise the Region® continues to bring our communities together. Over the years, it has become a cornerstone fundraiser for many local nonprofits, giving donors a meaningful way to support a wide range of causes across the region. It’s more than fundraising — it’s a celebration of the generosity that makes our communities thrive,” Erin Ruhl, Director of Community Engagement for the First Community Foundation of Pennsylvania, told Webb Weekly.
She said, “What began in 2013 as a bold vision to unite our community through giving has grown into the transformative 30-hour event we know today. Raise the Region® harnesses the power of collective generosity to strengthen local nonprofits, support vital programs, and make a lasting difference in the lives of people throughout our region.
“During Raise the Region®, the spirit of giving fills every corner of our communities. For 30 hours, neighbors, friends, and organizations come together with one shared goal: to uplift local nonprofits and drive meaningful change. Every contribution, whether large or small, reminds us of what we can accomplish when we give as one,” stated Ruhl.
“The role of donors is not to be underestimated according to her. “Donors are the lifeblood of Raise the Region®. Their generosity turns commitment into action, fueling local nonprofits and delivering hope where it’s needed most. Every gift helps build a stronger, more vibrant region — together, we can achieve extraordinary things, ” Ruhl said.
According to her, “Raise the Region® thrives because of the incredible support from our sponsors. Their generosity magnifies the impact of every donation, helping nonprofits serve our communities in deeper, more meaningful ways. A heartfelt thank-you to our presenting sponsor, Blaise Alexander Family Dealerships, for your dedication and commitment to strengthening our region — it makes this event possible.”
Highlights:
• Raise the Region® began in 2013. In its inaugural year, 161 nonprofits participated, raising a total of $878,526.
• In 2013, the concept of a day of giving was an emerging trend among community foundations across the country. FCFP partnered with the Blaise Alexander Family Dealerships to create Raise the Region®.
• To date, the program has raised $21 million.
• Every gift made during RTR will be increased by a portion of Blaise Alexander Family Dealerships’ Stretch Funds. Nonprofits will also compete for approximately $125,000 in prize money.
• The day is a celebration of philanthropy, with 350 nonprofits serving Columbia, Lycoming, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder, Tioga, and Union counties participating in Raise the Region® 2026.
Raise the Region® begins on Wednesday, March 11th, at 6 p.m. The 30-hour program will continue until midnight on Thursday, March 12th. Gifts are made with a major credit card at http://www.raisetheregion.org
Every nonprofit creates and builds its own page. Donors can learn about each nonprofit through its individual page. Donors can also search for nonprofits by name or category.
