Giving Hearts Day unites communities across the United States every second Thursday in February to support vital charitable organizations. On February 12, 2026, this powerful movement encourages individuals to donate to causes they care about. Discover local nonprofits, find a cause that resonates with you, and make a meaningful contribution to those in need.
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Expected Giving Hearts Day Deals
Giving Hearts Day is primarily a fundraising event, not a commercial one, focusing on collective impact rather than retail deals. However, many organizations partner with businesses to amplify their reach. Expect to see matching gift campaigns from corporate sponsors like Microsoft or Starbucks, where donations made on Giving Hearts Day are doubled, maximizing impact. Local businesses, such as Hornbacher’s grocery stores in the Fargo-Moorhead area (where the event originated), often host in-store donation drives or awareness events. Nonprofits like United Way and Feeding America will launch robust digital campaigns, encouraging direct donations and sharing stories of impact. Community foundations, such as the Fargo-Moorhead Area Foundation, which founded Giving Hearts Day, will provide platforms for donors to easily find and contribute to hundreds of participating charities. We will update this page with confirmed live campaigns and partnership details as February 12 approaches.
Platform Guide for Giving Hearts Day
Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #GivingHeartsDay. Share your company’s philanthropic efforts or highlight a partner nonprofit.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #GivingHeartsDay. Share stories of impact from local charities and encourage community engagement.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #GivingHeartsDay. Follow trending hashtags and retweet calls to action from participating nonprofits.
Giving Hearts Day Hero
Alex Stern
History of Giving Hearts Day
In the 1960s, a group of doctors and community leaders came together to form a new hospital, and thus the Dakota Medical Foundation(D.M.F.) was born. In 1962, Dakota Hospital was founded with an initial budget of $1.8 million. The hospital had 76 beds and 11 doctors. Some of the treatments available in Dakota Hospital were kidney dialysis, joint replacement, open-heart surgery, and other treatments and facilities. The patient care provided at the hospital and the supportive, dedicated physicians were also some of the reasons behind Dakota Hospital being one of the most well-established medical centers ever.
In the 1990s, the Dakota Medical Foundation sold half of the hospital to a for-profit organization in Houston. After a few years, the other half was also sold to the same organization. In the early 2000s, charitable establishments were formed within the foundation. In 2005, the Dakota Medical Foundation founded Impact Foundation. The purpose of building this foundation was to provide a way to fund businesses and give loans to charity.
In 2008, the Dakota Medical Foundation and Impact Foundation created Giving Hearts Day, a flagship event to encourage people to give and donate as much as possible. Both foundations mobilized and secured more than $450,000 of area non-profits within 24 hours. Since then, Giving Hearts Day has been celebrated on the second Thursday of February every year as a day on which you donate to charitable organizations as much as possible and make a difference in the lives of millions.
Giving Hearts Day timeline
The Dakota Medical Foundation is formed.
Dakota Hospital expands and becomes a center for joint replacements.
The D.M.F. establishes Impact Foundation to help charity organizations.
The D.M.F. and the Impact Foundation create Giving Hearts Day to encourage people to donate to charity.
Giving Hearts Day FAQs
When is Giving Hearts Day?
In 2027, Giving Hearts Day will be observed on Thursday, February 11, continuing its tradition of inspiring widespread philanthropy.
How much money is raised on Giving Hearts Day?
The collective impact of Giving Hearts Day is substantial, with the event consistently breaking its own records. Organizers anticipate another strong showing in 2027, building on the momentum of prior years to support vital community services.
How many organizations participate in Giving Hearts Day?
The number of participating nonprofits typically expands each year, reflecting the growing reach and impact of Giving Hearts Day. In 2027, even more local and regional charities are expected to join the initiative, offering donors a wide array of causes to support.
What is the history of Giving Hearts Day?
The event’s origins in Fargo, North Dakota, highlight its grassroots success. From a regional effort, Giving Hearts Day has become a model for community-wide philanthropy, demonstrating the power of collective action for good.
How to Observe Giving Hearts Day
Donate something
The whole purpose of Giving Hearts Day is to donate and help others as much as possible. Donate to any charitable organization you trust and help people in need. You can also visit the Giving Hearts Day website and donate online.
Share it on social media
Let everyone know the importance of this day. Make a social media post telling everyone that you are actively taking part in Giving Hearts Day, and motivate them to do it as well. You can also mention your favorite charitable organization.
Organize a Giving Hearts Day fundraiser
If you want to donate a substantial amount and want to make this day even more special, then you can organize a fundraiser in your community. Ask your neighbors and friends to donate to this noble cause and make a huge impact on the lives of people who need support.
5 Facts About The Dakota Medical Foundation That Will Blow Your Mind
It had only 40 members
Initially, there were only 40 members working in the Dakota Medical Foundation.
It saved lives using A.E.D.
In the early 2000s, D.M.F. saved about 30 lives annually using the Automated External Defibrillator (A.E.D.)
It has helped nursing students
The D.M.F. has provided over $400,000 to help nursing students get into the tri-colleges.
It has collaborated with A.S.F.F.
The D.M.F. has collaborated with the Alex Stern Family Foundation to provide development resources.
It created Lend A Hand
Lend A Hand, a charitable organization, was created by the D.M.F. to generate resources and funds for families in medical crises.
Why Giving Hearts Day is Important
It reminds us to give more
We often take for granted the good health and financial stability we have. It is only when misfortune strikes us or our loved ones, we appreciate the good things in life. This day provides an excellent opportunity to donate and make a difference in the lives of people who need help.
It gives charitable organizations the recognition they deserve
Charitable trusts work day and night to help those who are in need. Yet they are not given the appreciation and recognition they deserve. This day provides us an opportunity to give credit and supports these noble organizations.
It is an opportunity to learn more
This day provides an excellent opportunity to learn more about charitable organizations, how they operate, and how they aid people financially and medically. It makes us realize the importance of these organizations and also how crucial it is to donate.
Giving Hearts Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | February 12 | Thursday |
| 2027 | February 11 | Thursday |
| 2028 | February 10 | Thursday |
| 2029 | February 8 | Thursday |
| 2030 | February 14 | Thursday |
Social Media Tips for Giving Hearts Day
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