Give Local York is an annual 24-hour online giving event that unites York County residents (and others) to support local non-profit organizations. Held each year on the first Friday in May, the giving kicks off at 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 30, through 7 p.m. on Friday, May 1. More than 300 non-profits are registered to participate in 2026! Give Local York has raised more than $30 million for non-profit organizations in York County since its inception in 2018.

Jay holding GLY sign

 

How it Works

During the event, donors visit GiveLocalYork.org to contribute to their favorite organizations. Dollars donated are stretched with bonus funds provided by event partners, maximizing the impact of every donation. Select organizations are also eligible for additional stretch funds based on their category. For example, the Cultural Alliance of York County provides additional stretch funds to organizations in the Arts and Culture category.

Throughout the 24 hours, events are held all over York County to promote the missions of participating organizations. Representatives are also interviewed on a livestream which you can watch on the Give Local York Facebook page throughout the day on Friday.

Prizes

Organizations also compete for cash prizes based on various criteria (number of unique donors, timing of donations, social media posts, etc.). Explore York is proud to support the 2 a.m. prize, stretching donations (up to $100 per organization) for our participating member organizations until the $1,000 prize pool is depleted:

And More Prizes!

There are a wide variety of additional prizes up for grabs, including the below which are sponsored by Explore York members:

  • Thursday, 7 p.m.: The organization who receives the very first donation during Give Local York will be gifted an extra $500, thanks to Fulton Bank!
  • Thursday, 8 p.m.: The organization who receives the most individual donors between 7-8 p.m. on April 30 will receive an extra $1,000, thanks to Fulton Bank.
  • Friday, 12 midnight: First Capital FCU is awarding $500 to a randomly selected nonprofit who provides financial education or literacy programming.
  • Friday, 3 a.m.: To celebrate the Hanover community, Utz Snacks is awarding $300 to one random Hanover-based nonprofit who receives at least one donation between 3-3:30 a.m.
  • Friday, 7 a.m.: First Capital FCU is offering a match during the 7 a.m. hour to their Preferred Business Partners who are participating in Give Local York.
  • Friday, 2 p.m.: The York Revolution will award an in-kind partnership to one extra-small or small non-profit organization (organization must have completed an interest form in advance).
  • Friday, 5 p.m.: Members 1st Federal Credit Union will match all gifts up to $10 until the $500 match is depleted.
  • Friday, 5 p.m.: Two non-profits, one extra small or small and one medium or large, will receive a $500 prize for receiving the greatest number of unique donors during the 5 p.m. hour, thanks to OSS Health.
  • There are additional prize surprises, sponsored by Inch&Co. to be announced. Tune in to GLY Live! on Thursday, April 30, at 6 p.m. for details.

Fundraisers at Explore York Member Locations

In addition to donating directly to organizations you wish to support, there are many fun events and delicious dine-outs all around the county you can visit. A few locations to check out:

That Pig Place GLY dineout sign

 

Donor for a Day

Another easy way to support your favorite participating cause is by sharing a photo on social media naming the organization you would support if you had $1,000 to donate. You can download the Donor for a Day form template here. Be sure to include #DonorForADay and @GiveLocalYork with your social media post! One organization that has been mentioned will be randomly chosen to win $1,000 and another organization will win $500!

2026 EY staff donor for a day photos

Give Local York Big Give Party

Wrap up Give Local York 2026 in the best way possible—at the Big Give Party!

Join fellow community members, nonprofit partners, and supporters for an exciting end-of-day celebration filled with music, connection, and interactive fun at FREE open play at Keystone Kidspace. There will also be free ice cream and a collaborative paint-by-number mural experience.  Whether you’ve been fundraising, donating, or cheering from the sidelines, this is your moment to celebrate the impact made together across York County.  

2026 Give Local York big give party

All Give Local York donations are tax-deductible and provide vital support to organizations, attractions, and special events that make York County, Pennsylvania, so special! Thanks in advance for your consideration.