Mark your calendar April 22 for the ninth annual Great Community Give

Nonprofits in Harrisonburg and Rockingham County are gearing up for the ninth annual Great Community Give. The sunrise-to-sunset online giving day will be Wednesday, April 22, with the early giving period opening April 7.

The goal is to raise $2.5 million, just over $285,000 more than last year’s total of $2.2 million.

From April 7-22, donors can bring cash or checks directly to their favorite nonprofits, or give online at www.greatcommunitygive.org.

More than $80,000 provided by business and individual sponsors is also available in the prize pool. On April 22, the final day, nonprofits compete for hourly prizes as well as several thousand dollars in “leaderboard” prizes for most dollars raised and most donors.

The Great Community Give is hosted by The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg and Rockingham (TCFHR), which provides administrative support and covers the costs of the digital platform.

Since the first event in 2018, more than $11 million has been raised. [View photos of the 2025 record-setting event!]

This year, a record number of nonprofit organizations working in Harrisonburg and Rockingham County have registered to participate. The 158 participants represent the areas of youth and senior services, general human services, mental health, animal welfare, environmental interests, transportation and food insecurity, and many more.

"We know that now more than ever, our local nonprofit leaders, their staff, and volunteers are doing hard and challenging work, and they need funds to continue these invaluable services and programs. A donation during Great Community Give to your favorite nonprofits is a way of showing support and honoring their impact," said Lauren Jefferson, director of programs and marketing at TCFHR.  

Last year saw a rise in first-time donors and in local residents fundraising on behalf of organizations, but there’s still room to grow.

The county’s total population is around 140,000 residents, and last year’s donor count was a little more than 7,600.

“Tell your friends and family, become a fundraiser for your favorite organization, and help us spread the word,” Jefferson said. “Growing this event takes all of us. We have several wonderful media partners, but we also know that grassroots efforts make a huge difference.”