Match Madness raises over $1.48M for Central Pa. nonprofits

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The 11th annual Match Madness fundraising campaign raised more than $1.48 million to support Central Pennsylvania nonprofit organizations. 

Hosted by the Partnership for Better Health, the campaign is aimed at improving community health and well-being. 

The month-long campaign saw community donors contribute over $1.3 million to 64 participating nonprofit organizations. These donations were matched up to $150,000 by the Partnership for Better Health, with support from WellSpan Health. Additional support came from the M&T Charitable Foundation and local sponsors, with a total campaign impact of $1,487,630. 

“What makes this campaign so meaningful are the stories behind every gift—hearing how our nonprofits change lives and learning why donors choose to support the causes that matter most to them,” Antonia Price, director of Communications and Development for the Partnership for Better Health, said in a statement. “Whether someone gives $10 or $80,000, it all adds up to impact none of us could create alone.” 

According to a release, the Partnership for Better Health launched a new donation portal this year to make it easier for donors to learn about participating organizations and give online. The partnership also receives donations by mail and many local donors choose to deliver in person. 

Top fundraisers for the 2026 Match Madness campaign, each raising more than $50,000, include Project SHARE of Carlisle, Community CARES, CWS Harrisburg, Bosler Memorial Library, and Safe Harbour. 

Apart from the top five fundraisers, participating organizations raised an average of $12,300 each through community donations, with additional matching funds. 

Participating in Match Madness for the first time this year were Bloomfield Public Library, Carlisle Area Sertoma Club, Community Empowerment Services, Consumer Satisfaction Services, Duncannon Senior Center, Marysville/Rye Senior Center, Meals on Wheels of Carlisle, PAW Packs Program, Samaritan Fellowship, Therapy and Counseling Services, and Wheels for Women. 

Nonprofits eligible to participate in this Match Madness campaign received a grant from the Partnership for Better Health within the past two fiscal years, maintained an annual operating budget of less than $3 million, and demonstrated a focus on improving health and wellbeing in our communities. 

Since inception, the Partnership for Better Health’s Match Madness initiative has raised over $7.5 million for nonprofits serving Perry County, parts of Adams and Cumberland Counties, and the Shippensburg Area.