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Today is an important 24 hours for nonprofit fundraising in the Tri-Valley.
Three Valleys Community Foundation is holding its second annual 925 GIVES campaign, which aptly falls on Sept. 25 in reference to the 925 area code that most of the eligible organizations operate out of.
With 85 nonprofits serving residents in Alameda and Contra Costa counties on the participant list (including our very own Embarcadero Media Foundation, East Bay Division), 925 GIVES takes a blitz approach to generate a vital infusion of donations at the end of the third quarter of the year – offering prize incentives, donor matching, friendly challenges including one in honor of the late Dolly Parton, and administrative and branding support to engage nonprofits, their supporters and the community at-large.
“Now, in our second year, our focus is on expanding that movement by welcoming even more first-time donors, introducing people to remarkable nonprofits they may never have discovered otherwise, and demonstrating that philanthropy belongs to everyone,” 3VCF President and CEO Kelly Bowers said in a press release.
“Whether someone gives $25 or $2,500, every contribution helps strengthen the organizations that make our communities healthier, more vibrant, and more resilient. Together, thousands of individual acts of generosity become a powerful force for lasting local change,” Bowers added.
3VCF, a community fund for the Tri-Valley, is looking to build on the success of last year’s inaugural 925 GIVES – which raised more than $117,000 for 87 nonprofits in our area.
The 2026 campaign offers a flexible giving window, open from Aug. 15 through Sept. 30, so fundraising is already underway: 137 donors have contributed $26,237 to 36 nonprofits as of press time, positioning 3VCF 28% of the way toward its overall goal of (you guessed it) $92,500.
The main event arrived today, with prize incentives and sponsored matching gifts awarded throughout the day from 12:01 a.m. through midnight.
Real-time donation tracking and a public leaderboard are available on the website. You may notice hashtags on social media designed to draw eyes to the campaign: #925Gives, #GiveWhereYouLive and #925GivesGrantsAndGrows.
In our case, donations up to $10,000 to Embarcadero Media Foundation via 925 GIVES will be matched dollar for dollar thanks to a generous anonymous supporter. That money will go directly toward our foundation’s high-quality local journalism such as stories produced by the Pleasanton Weekly, reigning General Excellence winner in the California Journalism Awards.
One of the 3VCF contests today pays homage to late singer-songwriter Dolly Parton, a world-renowned philanthropist, since Sept. 25 is now designated as Dolly Parton Day in California – in honor of her song and movie hit, “9 to 5”. The foundation will award $925 to the nonprofit that receives the highest number of online donations from unique individuals between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
There are so many impactful nonprofits on the 925 GIVES participant list, local organizations large, small and everywhere in between.
“One of our greatest aspirations for 925 GIVES is to broaden the circle of philanthropy while shining a brighter spotlight on the extraordinary nonprofits serving our region every day,” Bowers said.
“Many residents are passionate about giving but simply don’t know the full range of organizations making a difference in their own backyard. 925 GIVES creates that connection, bringing together donors, volunteers, businesses, and nonprofits through a shared commitment to strengthening our communities,” she added. “As this annual tradition continues to grow, so too will its ability to generate sustainable support, deepen civic engagement, and inspire a new generation of local philanthropists.”
Its signature fundraising campaign comes during an important time for 3VCF.
The organization, in partnership with the Tri-Valley Nonprofit Alliance, recently launched its inaugural NextGen Learning and Leadership Program, an immersive experience for 24 area high school students designed to “empower the next generation of community changemakers”.
“Whether participants hope to launch a nonprofit, grow an existing community initiative, or simply become more effective civic leaders, the six-month cohort will provide the practical knowledge, hands-on experiences and professional relationships needed to make a lasting impact,” the nonprofits said in a joint press release this summer.
A key networking experience for the students will be the first NextGen Mixer on Oct. 28, held alongside 3VCF’s 2026 Community Health Impact Grant celebration event from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Roundhouse Market & Conference Center at Bishop Ranch in San Ramon.
“Generous corporations and individuals give, 3VCF grants those resources to worthy nonprofits doing critical frontline work, and together we grow the impact of that collective generosity across our region,” Bowers said. “This evening brings the full circle of community philanthropy together in one place.”
Learn more about the foundation at 3vcf.org. To donate via 925 GIVES, visit 925gives.org.
Editor’s note: Jeremy Walsh is the associate publisher and editorial director for the Embarcadero Media Foundation’s East Bay Division. His “What A Week” column is a recurring feature in the Pleasanton Weekly, Livermore Vine and DanvilleSanRamon.com.
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