Support Local Nonprofits in NEPA on Giving Tuesday
This Giving Tuesday, December 2, is the perfect chance to make a difference for nonprofits across NEPA. Since 2012, the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving has been dedicated to giving back, turning a single day into a global movement of generosity
You can support Giving Tuesday by donating to a cause, volunteering your time, joining a fundraiser, or organizing a supply drive. There are countless ways to give, both now and throughout the year. Northeastern PA’s charities and nonprofits work tirelessly to support our neighbors, protect our natural spaces, and strengthen our communities. This Giving Tuesday, let’s pay it forward and be part of this inspiring tradition.
Not sure where to start? Explore our featured nonprofits below or browse our nonprofit directory with over 1,100 local organizations.
Community Nonprofits: Giving Back to Our Neighbors
Our communities need us now more than ever
NEPA’s community nonprofits and charities are on the frontlines all year long. They step in wherever our neighbors need a hand. Food banks, pantries, and soup kitchens are working overtime to make sure no one goes without a meal, especially during the colder months and holiday season. Other organizations provide essential supplies like clothing, personal care items, and household necessities. They also offer resources such as case management, financial counseling, and emergency assistance to help families stay housed and stable. Many create safe, welcoming spaces where seniors can stay connected, young people can find mentorship, and newcomers to the area feel supported and included.
This work doesn’t stop when the holidays are over. It continues quietly, day after day, across the region. Your support helps keep shelves stocked, programs running, and doors open for those who need them most. Whether you give money, donate goods, or volunteer your time, you’re helping ensure families across NEPA can experience a happier, healthier holiday season—and a stronger, more hopeful year ahead.
Children's Nonprofits: Bright Futures for Local Kids
Together, we can build brighter futures for kids
They say it takes a village to raise a child. Here in NEPA, it truly takes an entire region. Our local community nonprofits help put kids on the path to success by supporting education and creating safe places to play and learn. They also reach out to children and families in need. After-school programs, mentorship initiatives, and youth centers give kids a safe, structured environment. There, they can get homework help, explore new interests, build friendships, and feel supported by caring adults. Other organizations provide early childhood education, literacy programs, and enrichment activities. These programs help kids build confidence, stay curious, and develop a lifelong love of learning.
These nonprofits are also there during the toughest moments. They offer counseling, family support services, and resources for children facing hardship or crisis. They work alongside parents, caregivers, and schools to make sure no child slips through the cracks. When you support children-focused nonprofits in NEPA, you’re helping tackle the big challenges. That way, our kids can focus on what matters most: learning, growing, and thriving—today and for years to come.
Health & Wellness Nonprofits: Live Healthy
NEPA’s health nonprofits help us live well
NEPA’s health-related nonprofits, community centers, and sports programs help us feel our best—mind, body, and spirit. These organizations are on the leading edge of community health. They encourage healthier lifestyles and walk alongside us through some of life’s biggest health challenges. Some nonprofits provide patient assistance, fund lifesaving research, and offer critical care and support for individuals and families facing serious diagnoses. Others focus on prevention. They host wellness workshops, screenings, and education programs that empower people to take charge of their health before problems arise.
Across the region, nonprofit community centers, youth leagues, and recreation programs create safe, supportive spaces. People of all ages and abilities can stay active, build confidence, and connect with others. From adaptive sports and walking clubs to fitness classes and senior wellness programs, these nonprofits make it easier to move our bodies and care for our minds. They also help us feel a strong sense of belonging. When you support health and wellness nonprofits in NEPA, you’re helping keep these vital programs accessible to everyone. That support helps our communities stay strong, resilient, and healthy—today and into the future.
Animal Nonprofits: Lend a Paw
Stand up for animals in NEPA
From dogs and cats to farm animals, our four-legged friends can’t speak up for themselves—so they rely on us to be their voice. NEPA’s animal shelters and rescue groups work around the clock to care for hurt, abandoned, and homeless animals, offering medical treatment, safe shelter, and the chance for a brighter future. These organizations also help reunite pets with their families, promote responsible pet ownership, and advocate for animal welfare across the region.
But this lifesaving work takes immense resources. Shelters depend on consistent donations, essential supplies, and dedicated volunteers to keep their doors open and their animals safe. When you support local animal nonprofits, you’re helping give every pet in NEPA a chance at comfort, security, and a loving home.
Environmental Nonprofits: Be A Trailblazer
Help protect NEPA’s great outdoors
The rolling mountains, tranquil forests, and winding rivers are some of NEPA’s greatest treasures. Our region’s environmental nonprofits, trail groups, and nature preserves work every day to protect these landscapes. Their goal is to ensure future generations can experience the same sense of wonder, peace, and adventure. From maintaining hiking trails and conserving open space to restoring wildlife habitats and safeguarding clean water, these organizations are on the frontlines of caring for the places we love.
Their work goes beyond conservation, too. Environmental nonprofits lead community cleanups and host educational programs. They create opportunities for people of all ages to get outside and connect with nature. They help neighbors learn how to be good stewards of the land and advocate for sustainable practices. They also work to expand access to parks and green spaces across the region. When you support these organizations, you’re helping preserve NEPA’s natural beauty, fight for a healthier planet, and inspire others to explore—and protect—the great outdoors.
Culture & Humanities Nonprofits: Keep the Arts Alive
Celebrate creativity and preserve our stories
The arts are so much more than paintings in a museum. They’re dancers, writers, photographers, musicians, filmmakers, poets, sculptors—and yes, painters. Each one is sharing their talents and perspectives with the world. Across NEPA, arts programs and cultural organizations create space for creativity to flourish. They offer classes, workshops, performances, exhibitions, readings, and festivals. Libraries, historic sites, museums, theaters, and studios don’t just entertain us. They help people of all ages explore new ideas, express themselves, and see the world in a new light.
Culture and humanities nonprofits also play a vital role in preserving our shared history and stories. They safeguard archives and artifacts and celebrate local traditions. They uplift underrepresented voices so more people feel seen and heard. These organizations bring communities together—on stage, in galleries, in classrooms, and around kitchen tables. They help us learn from the past and imagine a brighter future. When you support arts and culture nonprofits in NEPA, you’re helping keep creativity, storytelling, and lifelong learning accessible to everyone.
Shop For A Cause
Explore the NEPA Store collection and show off your NEPA pride. Every purchase helps celebrate what makes our region special, with 100% of profits supporting local nonprofits.
Article Updated from its Original Version Published on 12/03/2019.
