For the past nine years, El Paso Giving Day has rallied our region around the causes that make life better here at home. What began as a simple idea — one day to give — has grown into a powerful tradition that fuels programs for youth and families, strengthens animal welfare and environmental work, supports health and hunger relief, and invests in arts, education, and more across the Paso del Norte region.
Our community has raised $11 million for nonprofits to continue their crucial work — helping create a better region for all of us who live here.
In celebration of our 10th anniversary, we’re suiting up with a football theme — the Bowl of Giving — because just like in football, it takes a team effort to drive down the field and score that winning touchdown for our community.
From the outset, the vision was clear: bring the spirit of Giving Tuesday to El Paso in a way that levels the playing field for local nonprofits. Instead of competing with national organizations for attention and dollars, El Paso Giving Day creates a focused moment when donations stay local, directly supporting the community each nonprofit serves.
Participation has grown steadily since the beginning — 135 nonprofits participated in 2016, and by 2024, 260 organizations were part of the campaign. This momentum reflects a community that believes in giving where we live.
This year’s “season finale” kicks off on Thursday, Oct. 16, with Early Giving from Oct. 9–15. More than 200 participating nonprofits will share their stories and invite gifts starting at just $10 — small yard gains that add up to big wins.
Why it matters
For many organizations, El Paso Giving Day is the most important fundraising moment of the year — and sometimes the only major campaign on their calendar.
Gifts made during this period help keep after-school programs open, stock food pantries, provide access to health services, support seniors, protect animals, and sustain the cultural and environmental assets that make our region unique.
This year, nonprofits have secured over $815,000 in matching funds from generous partners. To maximize your impact, check which nonprofits have secured matching funds — when a nonprofit’s match is active, your gift is doubled until those funds run out. It’s the perfect two-for-one play.
How to participate (your game plan)
- Scout the roster: Visit elpasogivingday.org to browse nonprofits by cause and see how your gift will be used.
- Start strong in Early Giving (Oct. 9–15): Schedule your gift early to help your nonprofit unlock matches and build momentum.
- Go all-in on Game Day (Oct. 16): Share your donation on social media, challenge friends and co-workers, and help your favorite organizations cross the goal line.
- Run a peer-to-peer (P2P) play: Activate your family, friends, and co-workers — and add a bit of fun by challenging someone in the community to launch their own fundraiser and see who can raise more for the nonprofit you love. Need help setting up your P2P page? Email Mark Chavez at cfsupport@pdnfoundation.org.
As we celebrate a decade of giving, we’re aiming to raise $1.5 million for local nonprofits. Join the team that’s building a brighter, healthier, and more prosperous Paso del Norte region — one $10 gift at a time.
Suit up for the Bowl of Giving!
Mark your calendar — Early Giving: Oct. 9–15 and Game Day: Thursday, Oct. 16. Head to elpasogivingday.org, pick your nonprofit(s), and check who has matching funds so your gift can be doubled. Want extra impact? Start a P2P fundraiser and challenge a friend to see who can raise more. Every $10 pushes our community closer to the end zone.
The post For the past nine years, El Paso Giving Day has rallied our region – and Year 10 is our Bowl of Giving appeared first on El Paso Matters.
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