SML Gives: Unite for a Day of Charitable Giving (2026)

Get ready to open your hearts (and your wallets!) for SML Gives, a dynamic fundraising event to benefit nonprofits throughout the Smith Mountain Lake region.

Set for March 18, 2026, SML Gives is now in its 5th year and offers organizations in Bedford and Franklin counties a platform to raise funds, increase visibility and foster community connections. 

It’s also a chance for SML residents and visitors to unite, pooling resources to create a significant impact for the participating nonprofits. This year, 50 local nonprofits will attempt to raise $300,000 in just 24 hours. 

The Giving Process: Online or In-Person

SML Gives 2026 will start at 12 a.m. on March 18 and runs through 11:59 p.m. EST. Early giving opportunities start March 16.

Participation is open to verified 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) charitable nonprofits headquartered or providing services in Bedford County or Franklin County. Prospective organizations had to apply and meet various requirements to participate.

Donations can be made securely online through the SML Gives website hosted by MightyCause. The platform provides an “add to cart” feature that allows donors to contribute to multiple organizations at once. 

Donors may also contribute via check or cash to individual charities. However, they must specify that the donation is for SML Gives for it to count toward the total funds raised during the event. 

An in-person donor hospitality and nonprofit fair is planned for March 18 from 2-5 p.m. at the Resurrection Catholic Church in Moneta. Attendees can gather more information on participating nonprofits, interact with representatives and make in-person donations. 

All donations made through SML Gives 2026 are tax-deductible and non-refundable.

The Growing Legacy of SML Gives

In 2022, 13 nonprofits participated, raising over $86,000. This figure increased to more than $138,000 in 2023, with 21 nonprofits joining the campaign. in 2024, $218,451 was raised for 37 local organizations and in 2025, 37 nonprofits raised over $235,000.

Smith Mountain Lake Insiders is proud to support SML Gives as a Silver Sponsor and the participating nonprofits that form the bedrock of our community. 

It is our hope that you’ll join us in making this another milestone event as we work together to foster a brighter and more prosperous future for the Smith Mountain Lake region!

Nonprofits Participating in SML Gives 2026

• Affordable Condo Association Inc
• Agape Center Moneta
• Barn Cat Buddies & Feline Friends
• Bedford Boys Tribute Center
• Bedford Cares
• Bedford County Fair Inc
• Casa of Central Virginia Inc
• Bedford Ride (Central Virginia Area Agency on Aging)
• Central Virginia Regional Rescue
• Child Health Investment Partnership
• Children’s Assistive Technology Service
• Donna Sink Pediatric Fund
• Food for Kids
• Franklin Co. Humane Society / Planned Pethood Clinic
• Franklin County Family YMCA
• Franklin County Lacrosse Club
• Franklin County Library Foundation
• Free Clinic of Franklin County Inc.
• Freedoms Last Chance Inc
• Friends of Booker T Washington National Monument
• Friends of Ferrum Park Inc
• Friends of the Moneta–Smith Mountain Lake Library Inc
• Habitat for Humanity of Franklin County
• Healing Words by PMF
• Heavenly Manna
• Henry Fork Service Center
• Homeschool Hub of Franklin County, VA
• Lake Christian Ministries, Inc
• Lynchburg Daily Bread
• ONE Forest School Inc
• Parrish Chapel United Methodist Church
• Phoebe Needles Center, Inc.
• Reel Connections For Kids
• Roanoke QOV Stitchers
• Roanoke Valley Horse Rescue Inc
• Ronald McDonald House Charities of SW VA
• Smith Mountain Arts Council
• Smith Mountain Lake Cancer Support Foundation
• Smith Mountain Lake Lions Charitable Corporation
• Smith Mountain Lake Lions Club Scholarship Trust Inc
• Smith Mountain Lake Women’s Club
• SML Gives Inc.
• SML Good Neighbors, Inc.
• Society of St Andrew
• Southern VA Child Advocacy Center / CASA
• Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center
• STEP, Inc.
• Stepping Stone Mission of Franklin County
• Stewartsville First Aid & Rescue Crew Inc
• Virginia Hunters Who Care Inc

The History and Mission of SML Gives

SML Gives was launched in 2022 by SML Good Neighbors, an organization that provides free academic, enrichment and nutritional programs to local elementary kids, when a previous regional giving day was discontinued. 

The revamped event helps residents in SML’s surrounding counties who grapple with challenges such as poverty, limited access to healthcare, restricted educational opportunities and neglected or abandoned animals.