“Philly Gives” Launches: New Community Fund to Support Philadelphia Region Nonprofits Through End of Year Giving

Philadelphia, PA (November 25, 2024) – Philadelphia Foundation, in partnership with the Lenfest Institute for Journalism and supported by a grant from the William Penn Foundation, today announced the launch of Philly Gives, a new philanthropic initiative. This community-driven fund aims to uplift and support essential nonprofits serving Greater Philadelphia. Running from November 25, 2024, through January 31, 2025, the program will spotlight nine selected nonprofits that address the region’s most pressing needs, including affordable housing, food security, healthcare access, youth development, and workforce training.

“This initiative is a powerful opportunity for the community to come together and support organizations making a real difference,” said Pedro Ramos, President and CEO of Philadelphia Foundation. “Through this initiative, we aim to connect donors with community-centered nonprofits that are on the front lines of addressing some of our region’s most pressing needs. By supporting these organizations, we are all investing in a brighter, more resilient future for everyone in our communities.”

Philly Gives was originally envisioned by Janet Haas, emeritus Chair of the William Penn Foundation and a practicing physician. Her vision to build upon Philadelphia’s spirit of giving inspired a unique collaboration between the region’s leading philanthropic and journalistic institutions.

By connecting donors with nonprofits, Philly Gives delivers hands-on, life-changing services to individuals and families in need across the region. The initiative builds on the success of similar giving campaigns in cities like Seattle, Portland, and New York, where partnerships between community foundations, media, and the public have amplified support for critical social services.

“Shortly before the holidays in 2023, Janet reached out to me, Pedro Ramos, and Shawn McCaney of the William Penn Foundation, asking what more all of us could do to strengthen Philadelphia’s culture of giving,” said Jim Friedlich, CEO of the Lenfest Institute for Journalism. “We explored models from other cities and saw how these collaborations could inspire greater community investment in vital services.”

Media and Community Engagement

Philly Gives leverages a unique partnership and a powerful commitment from six of the Philadelphia region’s premier news media companies: 6abc, The Philadelphia Inquirer, The Philadelphia Tribune, Impacto, New Mainstream Press (Metro Chinese Weekly and Metro Viet News), and WURD Radio.

“6abc, Philadelphia’s most-watched TV station, is pleased to partner with Philly Gives to promote this wonderful approach to supporting nonprofit organizations in our community,” said Bernie Prazenica, President and General Manager of WPVI-TV/6abc. “Action News will tell the stories of these organizations and the people they assist. We know that our viewers will respond, as they always do, to help their neighbors in need.”

“For those with a stake in Philadelphia, The Inquirer has been the essential source of information in the city and region for 195 years. We are proud to participate in Philly Gives by using our reach to share stories of nine local nonprofits and the important work they are doing in our communities.” said Lisa Hughes, Publisher and CEO at The Philadelphia Inquirer.

• 6abc, as the official Broadcast Media Partner, will feature each Philly Gives nonprofit organization in television stories broadcast throughout the region and on its digital channels.
• The Philadelphia Inquirer will highlight Philly Gives in its Philly First community social responsibility section, with feature articles on each nonprofit appearing in the Opinion Section.
• The Philadelphia Tribune, Impacto, New Mainstream Press, and WURD Radio will provide pro bono advertising, digital and on-air promotion, and editorial coverage, subject to the independent news judgment of their editors.

This collaboration raises awareness and encourages community support for Philly Gives’ selected grantees, each of which delivers transformative, direct services to individuals and families across the region.

The 2024 Philly Gives Fund Nonprofits

The 2024 Philly Gives Fund will support nine exceptional nonprofit grantees, chosen by a diverse nomination committee convened by Philadelphia Foundation and composed of esteemed community and civic leaders:

• ACLAMO
• Ann Silverman Community Health Clinic
• Domestic Violence Center of Chester County
• GALAEI
• Hopeworks
• VietLead
• Why Not Prosper
• YEAH Philly (Youth Empowerment for Advancement Hangout)
• YMWIC (Young Men & Women in Charge Foundation)

Each of these nonprofits was selected for their impactful, hands-on services and commitment to creating a more equitable Philadelphia.

Supporters can learn more about each grantee and make a donation at www.phillygives.org. Thanks to the generosity of the William Penn Foundation and the Lenfest Institute, 100% of donations will go directly to the nonprofits supported by Philly Gives.

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
Founded in 1918, Philadelphia Foundation strengthens the economic, social, and civic vitality of Greater Philadelphia. It manages over 1,000 charitable funds and awards more than 1,000 grants and scholarships annually. For more information, visit www.philafound.org.