SML GIVES

Our friends at GIVE Roanoke are officially one week away from their big day (April 22nd).

Many of the nonprofits participating serve not just the Roanoke Valley, but our surrounding areas and neighbors too.

Please give their page and participating organizations a follow today to see the incredible work they are doing!

Tune in next week to help them reach their goals. We're rooting for you, Roanoke! 🙌

ONE WEEK TO GO! ✨

Early giving is happening NOW at giveroanoke.org.

GIVE Roanoke is a fun, easy, and flexible way to donate and learn more about organizations making a difference in the Roanoke Valley. YOU can invest in your community now through April 22, 2026, at 11:59 PM.

Grow. Invest. Volunteer. Empower | GIVE Roanoke

SML Gives Day 2026 Breaks Goals & Records Again!

SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE, VA — The Smith Mountain Lake community once again demonstrated the power of collective generosity during SML Gives Day 2026, raising $387,643 from 641 donors to support 50 local nonprofit organizations serving Bedford and Franklin Counties. The goal for the event was $300,000.

Held on Wednesday, March 18, SML Gives Day is a 24-hour online giving event that brings together neighbors, businesses, and community organizations to strengthen the region’s nonprofit sector and amplify the impact of local philanthropy.

Throughout the day, donors supported a wide range of causes: from programs that feed children and families to organizations providing healthcare, arts and culture, environmental education, animal care, and services for vulnerable populations. Participating nonprofits work every day to improve the quality of life across the Smith Mountain Lake region.

“SML Gives Day shows what is possible when a community comes together around the idea that local nonprofits matter,” said Lisa Lietz, Executive Director of SML Good Neighbors, the organization that hosts the giving day. “Every donation, large or small, helps sustain programs that support children, families, animals, veterans, and neighbors throughout Bedford and Franklin Counties.”

In addition to online giving, community members had the opportunity to connect directly with nonprofits at the SML Gives Nonprofit Fair, held on Wednesday, March 18, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Resurrection Catholic Church. The fair gave residents the chance to meet representatives from participating organizations, learn about their work, and celebrate the spirit of community giving. It was also a great opportunity for collaboration among local nonprofits.

Sponsors also played a key role in the success of the day by helping provide prize incentives and support for the event platform, allowing more funds to go directly to local nonprofits.

SML Gives Day was created by SML Good Neighbors in 2021 to provide a simple and accessible way for the community to support the organizations that make the Smith Mountain Lake region stronger. Since its launch, the giving day has helped raise over $1M for local charities.

“We are incredibly grateful to the donors, sponsors, volunteers, and nonprofits who made this year’s event possible,” Lietz said. “Their generosity is helping ensure that vital programs continue to serve our community year-round.”

To learn more about SML Gives and the participating nonprofits, visit smlgives.org.

SML Gives Day 2026 Sponsors:

Platinum:
Centra
Carilion

Silver:
Capps
Serendipity Grant Writing & Consulting
SML Insiders

A Legacy of Care: Celebrating Centra

From our humble grassroots beginnings in 2021 to the high-tech, 24-hour giving marathon we have today, Centra has been our bedrock.

Years ago, Centra saw the potential in SML Gives Day. Their early and sustained support as our Platinum sponsor has provided the vital funding needed to transition us to our user-friendly MightyCause platform, making it easier than ever for you to support the causes you love.

Today, we are honored to announce the Centra BMH Prize Grant!

This prize is made possible by their Platinum Sponsorship, and will go directly back into our community’s well-being.

Thank you, Centra, for your unwavering commitment to a healthier community! 💚

Congratulations to Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke!

You rallied your fans, spread the word and you are the winner of the Centra BMH Prize Grant of $750!