DERBY — The Valley once again showed its incredible generosity during The Great Give 2025, helping to raise a record-breaking $4.2 million in just 36 hours for 543 nonprofits across the Valley and Greater New Haven.
Of that historic grand total, more than $466,000 was raised by 61 Valley-based nonprofits serving Ansonia, Derby, Oxford, Seymour, and Shelton. The number of nonprofits participating and total in donations are both Valley records. The increase in donations was more than 8‑percent over last year’s Valley total.
Part of that total includes $270,000 in donations from 27 Valley Community Foundation (VCF) Donor Advised fundholders. In all, 1,783 donations were made during the Great Give from people who either live or work in the Valley, a 21-percent increase in gifts over last year.
“The outpouring of support this year was nothing short of phenomenal,” said Sharon Closius, VCF’s President and CEO. “To see our community come together and raise nearly half a million dollars for Valley nonprofits, in just a day and a half, is awe-inspiring. It speaks to the deep-rooted generosity and shared commitment we have to one another here in the Valley.”
Four Valley-based nonprofits — BHcare; TEAM, Inc.; Griffin Hospital; and the Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley — made the top 20 list of most donated money received. Also, the Shelton High School robotics team made the top 25 by raising more than $35,000.
Over the course of the online event, thousands of donations poured in for organizations, ranging from essential human services, arts and youth programs, animal welfare organizations, and basic needs programs such as food banks and shelters. Throughout the campaign, fundraising efforts were bolstered by matching gifts, real-time online leaderboards, and prize incentives.
The Great Give is organized annually by The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven (TCF) and has become a treasured event and cornerstone of regional philanthropy since 2010. Now in its 16th year, the event has raised more than $32.8 million to benefit nonprofits throughout the region.
To learn more about The Great Give and view the full list of participating organizations and 2025 results, visit www.thegreatgive.org.
– Press release from The Valley Community Foundation
