National Anonymous Giving Week is celebrated annually, beginning on the third Sunday of March, encouraging acts of selfless generosity. This week highlights the profound impact of giving without expectation of recognition. Embrace the spirit of true altruism by donating your time, resources, or talents to those in need, making a difference purely for the sake of helping.
History of National Anonymous Giving Week
A gift for charity, humanitarian relief, or to benefit a cause is known as a donation. Money, services, or products such as clothing, toys, food, or automobiles can all be donated. A donation could also meet a medical need like blood or organs for transplantation.
According to Blackbaud, internet donations in the United States increased by 11% in 2012. They accounted for around 7% of total fundraising, up from 6% in 2011 and close to the all-time high of 8% in 2010 when internet donating skyrocketed in reaction to the Haitian disaster relief efforts. The Internet has now become the preferred first-response method for donations during catastrophes and other emergencies. In 2015, mobile devices accounted for 14% of all online donations, and the international online giving day #GivingTuesday saw a 52% increase in donations over the previous year.
National Anonymous Giving Week aims to highlight the importance of giving and improving the lives of others. It emphasizes acts of kindness without having to take credit for it. The world is a better place when we take the needy into account and do our part to help them get some of the resources we enjoy.
National Anonymous Giving Week timeline
Captain Thomas Coram, alarmed by the number of neglected children living on the streets of London, establishes the Foundling Hospital in Lamb's Conduit Fields, Bloomsbury, to care for them.
Jonas Hanway establishes the Marine Society, which becomes the first seafarer's charity.
Organizations like Amnesty International and Oxfam Care International expand into massive non-governmental organizations with enormous budgets.
Andrew Ballester and Brad Damphousse launch the crowdfunding platform GoFundMe.
National Anonymous Giving Week FAQs
What does “dark money” mean?
In the United States, “dark money” often refers to political spending by a nonprofit organization that isn’t mandated to reveal its donors.
Is it better to donate anonymously?
While anonymous donations are less prevalent than public donations, the reasons behind it can be just as strong. For example, giving may make you feel good, but the results you want may be better achieved if the focus is on the cause rather than the contributor.
How do I donate to an organization anonymously?
If your anonymity is important to you, let the sponsor know and name the fund something that won’t be associated with you. Charity checks may simply reference the name of the fund at the request of an anonymous donor. However, the institution that manages the fund would usually be aware of the donor’s identity.
How to Observe National Anonymous Giving Week
Give anonymously
Giving shouldn’t be about getting credit or recognition. To observe this holiday, share what you can with people without giving away your identity.
Encourage others to give
Kindness works better when we all contribute. Get your family, friends, and people around you to donate anonymously too.
Start a charity
Start a charity or foundation for a special cause. Collect donations from anonymous donors including yourself and the friends you’ve encouraged to join in. Your new charity can be anonymous too when you send all you’ve gathered to its beneficiaries.
5 Interesting Facts About Charity
Digital sharing
Over 7.2% of fundraising revenue, except for grants, is raised online.
The average age
The average donor in the United States is 62 years old.
Giving frenzy
In 2016, donations to charities reached over $390.05 billion.
The season for giving
December is the top giving month, followed by June.
Market chaser
Charitable giving increases about one-third as fast as the stock market.
Why National Anonymous Giving Week is Important
It celebrates love and kindness
Nothing expresses love better than helping someone in need. We get to spread the love around on National Anonymous Giving Week.
It shifts the focus on what’s important
In a society where taking credit for the help rendered seems more important than actually helping, this holiday emphasizes what matters. This week, we’re reminded to focus on making an impact rather than getting recognition.
It’s about making the world better
Charity and giving will always have positive effects on society. As we share values of communal development on National Anonymous Giving Week, we do our part to make the world a better place.
National Anonymous Giving Week dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | March 15–21 | Sunday–Saturday |
| 2027 | March 21–27 | Sunday–Saturday |
| 2028 | March 19–25 | Sunday–Saturday |
| 2029 | March 18–24 | Sunday–Saturday |
| 2030 | March 17–23 | Sunday–Saturday |
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