There are so many great causes in Lancaster County. Locally, there are so many life-affirming nonprofits performing life-altering work.

The only thing greater is the generosity of Lancaster County residents.

Faithful Give seeks to link those donors and causes and to enhance that great work.

"Lancaster County has got to be one of the most generous counties in the nation," said Dave Kieffer, president of Faithful Give. "I feel like it gives God glory to highlight every way that Lancaster County needs to be served. There are a lot of people here carrying out Jesus' ministry. It's about giving your money, but it's also about giving your time, treasures and talents. Our goal is to connect the donors and the need."

Overseen by an eight-member board, Faithful Give is a county-wide, online giving extravaganza that also promotes volunteering, committed prayer partnerships and general feelings of altruism. This year's Faithful Give will be conducted over three days, from midnight on Sunday, Oct. 19, to midnight on Tuesday, Oct. 21.

Contributors to Faithful Give can donate to a general fund or designate their donations to specific participating causes or nonprofits.

Donations to Faithful Give can be made by credit card, electronic fund transfer or e-check at https://faithfulgive.org/donate-sponsor.

"Faithful Give exists to support and advocate for faith-based, biblically faithful organizations in Lancaster County," said Kieffer. "We're not designed to compete; we're focused on Faithful Give and what we do. Healthy competition can improve the outcome for all organizations. Generosity begets generosity."

Faithful Give is also sponsoring two in-person events as part of this year's initiative.

The first is a kickoff prayer breakfast that will be held from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 20, at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2151 Oregon Pike, Lancaster. Leaders and representatives of some of the charitable causes will be present to meet donors and answer questions.

Faithful Give will informally conclude its efforts with a community celebration event and expo on Oct. 21 from 5 to 8 p.m. at DOVE Westgate Church, 1755 W. Main St., Ephrata. That family-friendly gathering will feature bounce houses, a strolling magician, balloon animals, face painting, nine holes of miniature golf and fellowship.

"One hundred percent of your money goes straight to where you designate it," said Kieffer. "We encourage people to give to nonprofits throughout the year. Lancaster County people steward their money well. We're really trying to expand our definition of generosity. The organizations I get behind most are the ones who have won my heart. It helps me to buy into their mission."

Faithful Give, which does not maintain a physical office, is aiming to raise a total of $2 million for 130 Lancaster County causes like Christian schools, youth and college programs, adult programs, elderly care, human services and overseas organizations headquartered locally. Last year, Faithful Give raised more than $1.568 million from 2,933 donors.

"There are probably a thousand great causes in Lancaster County doing great work," said Kieffer. "Faithful Give is designed to come alongside nonprofits with a Christian vision or a Christian philosophy of what benefits the community. Our goal isn't to replace anything else. It's to help in ways we can and feel called to."

"The youth will be educated," continued Kieffer, "the homeless will be cared for, families will find resources they need, the arts will be advanced in a way that will help the community, houses will be built, and early education programs will be supported. Some of these ministries cross over."

Since its inception in 2023, Faithful Give has raised more than $2.3 million for local nonprofits.

"I think Lancaster County has a rich heritage of biblically led, faithful-led nonprofits," said Kieffer. "Faithful Give exists to celebrate and nurture that and protect that mission for the future. Since it was started, it's grown in number and in quality. It's also grown in reputation. I think we've grown in trust with our donors, and we've grown in trust with our causes. We've delivered on what we've promised."