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FriNov 15

National Philanthropy Day – November 15, 2024

National Philanthropy Day is celebrated annually on November 15. This day signifies the importance of working together for the common good. Philanthropic deeds come in all different shapes and sizes — charitable giving, volunteering, etc. — and on National Philanthropy Day, no act of kindness goes unnoticed. President Reagan first proclaimed November 15 as National Philanthropy Day in 1986, and communities all throughout the world have celebrated the importance of this occasion ever since.

National Philanthropy Day timeline

​2012
Canada made it official​

Canada permanently recognized National Philanthropy Day.

2000
Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation began

Considered the largest foundation in the U.S., the Gates Foundation was launched.

​1986
National Philanthropy Day started in the U.S. ​

​​President Reagan declared November 15 as the first official National Day of Philanthropy.

​1835
Andrew Carnegie born

Carnegie became a leading philanthropist both here and abroad. The Scottish-born American industrialist, who led the enormous expansion of the American steel industry in the late 19th century, was one of the world's wealthiest men.

How to Observe National Philanthropy Day

  1. Volunteer

    Go out and find a volunteer opportunity that interests you. Possibilities range from visiting sick patients in the hospital, packing boxes for a food pantry, and even gardening at your local park.

  2. Give a shout out on social media

    Bring awareness to this important day by talking about it on your social media accounts. The more people that know about this day, the better.

  3. Donate to charity

    Donations can come in the form of time or money, so even if you're a little strapped for cash, there are still ways that you can make a major difference.

​4 Fun Nonprofits You Need To Learn More About

  1. ​Helping Hands Monkey Helpers

    Similar to organizations that train service dogs, Helping Hands Monkey Helpers has trained monkeys to assist adults with mobile disabilities since the 1970s. ​

  2. ​Be a Dear and Donate a Brassiere

    This organization has distributed well over 20,000 bras to women in need.

  3. ​Zombie Squad

    Zombie Squad focuses on volunteering, fundraising, and holding seminars revolving around disaster relief. ​

  4. ​The Harry Potter Alliance

    This organization focuses on fighting injustices, and its missions are inspired by the plots within the Harry Potter series. ​

Why National Philanthropy Day is Important

  1. Philanthropy makes the world go 'round

    For as long as humankind exists, there is always going to be a need to help each other out. National Philanthropy Day acknowledges the importance of stepping up and doing your part to not only help those less fortunate, but to also ensure that the world as a whole is a better place to live.

  2. It's important to acknowledge good deeds

    When we highlight the charitable acts of someone else, there is a good chance that another person may get inspired to go out in the community and contribute in his or her own way. Acknowledging philanthropic activity not only gives credit where credit is due, but it is also an excellent way to bring awareness to charitable opportunities that exist.

  3. It's inspiring

    With so much negativity in the world, hearing about the good that goes on is certainly refreshing. National Philanthropy Day motivates us to get out and engage with others in order to make a positive impact.

National Philanthropy Day dates

YearDateDay
2024November 15Friday
2025November 15Saturday
2026November 15Sunday
2027November 15Monday
2028November 15Wednesday

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