By Kate Bartlett
The 9th year of the annual Cattaraugus Gives event, Tuesday, December 2, 2025, brought record-breaking numbers and unprecedented community support. During the 24-hour fundraising event, presented by the Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation, participating nonprofits collectively raised $359,898, which has since risen to $370,341 through continued offline donations. Additionally, a record number of organizations received at least one donation.
Traditionally held on Giving Tuesday, Cattaraugus Gives was founded to support nonprofits in the community. Cattaraugus Gives is hosted annually by the Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation as a way to strengthen local nonprofits and inspire philanthropy through the collective impact of giving. Since its inception in 2017, the event has grown dramatically, becoming one of the region’s most anticipated days of charitable action. With this year’s total, the event has now raised $2.06 million for nonprofits in the community.
brought record-breaking numbers and unprecedented
community support. During the 24-hour fundraising event,
presented by the Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation,
participating nonprofits collectively raised $359,898, which
has since risen to $370,341 through continued offline
donations. Additionally, a record number of organizations
received at least one donation.
Tyler Veno, Cattaraugus Gives Coordinator, remarks on the impressive community support the event received. “Cattaraugus Gives is a great opportunity for the community to come together and support its own local agencies,” says Tyler. “This year showed, once again, how powerful our community can be when we come together. The incredible support we saw made this our most prosperous year to date.”
This year, a record 100 nonprofits received donations, beating last year’s record of 96 agencies. “We’re proud that this event has been growing steadily every year,” says Tyler. “What started only 9 years ago, raising $30,000 has grown substantially and gained momentum in the community.”
10 organizations this year raised over $10,000 during the day. Three raised over $20,000. 64 organizations raised $1,000 or more during the day, which is also a record. “All of these numbers are in-credible,” says Tyler. “These nonprofits act right here in our community, and with increased funding, they’ll be able to give more back into our community.”
A major driver of this year’s success was the record-breaking prize pool of over $30,000. This provided more opportunities for nonprofits to earn bonus dollars through matches, challenges and timed competitions. “The prizes help incentivize giving,” explains Tyler. “It makes for a little fun competition, all while doing good for our community.”
Tyler remarked on the excitement of this year. “Every year is a little bigger than the last. The excitement of having a record number of registered nonprofits combined with record breaking numbers made for a thrilling year. It’s great to see this event gaining attention in the area.”
“We are grateful for every donor, sponsor, partner and participating organization that helped make this year such a tremendous success,” said Veno. “It’s not so much about the dollars raised, it’s about building a stronger community. Together, we’re building a solid, more connected Cattaraugus County.”
The top recipients this year were: 1. SPCA of Cattaraugus County, $45,816; 2. Empire Animal Rescue Society, $39,572; 3. Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation, $21,412; 4. Operation Warm Hearts, $20,954; 5. Olean General Hospital Foundation, $19,424.
For more information, and a full list of prize winners visit CattaraugusGives.org and follow Cattaraugus Foundation on Facebook for additional highlights.