National Nonprofit Day is observed annually on 17 August in the United States, a day dedicated to honouring the vital contributions of charitable organisations and the broader nonprofit sector. The date was chosen to mark the anniversary of the signing of the Tariff Act of 1894, which first provided federal tax exemptions for charitable organisations, laying the legal foundation for the modern nonprofit sector.

What is National Nonprofit Day?

National Nonprofit Day is a recognition day for the thousands of charitable, educational, scientific, religious, and community organisations that operate across the United States and around the world without the goal of generating profit for shareholders or owners. These organisations address some of society’s most pressing needs, from hunger and homelessness to education, healthcare, arts, and environmental protection.

The day is an opportunity to celebrate the work of nonprofits, to recognise the dedication of their staff and volunteers, to encourage charitable giving, and to reflect on the essential role that the voluntary sector plays in building stronger, more equitable communities.

When is National Nonprofit Day?

National Nonprofit Day falls on 17 August each year.

History of National Nonprofit Day

National Nonprofit Day was established in 2017 by Sherita J. Herring, an author, speaker, and nonprofit consultant, who wanted to create a dedicated occasion to educate and empower people to support the organisations that serve their communities. The date of 17 August was selected because it marks the anniversary of the Tariff Act of 1894, the legislation signed into law on 17 August 1894 that first granted federal income tax exemptions to charitable organisations in the United States.

Although the formal US nonprofit sector did not fully take shape until the mid-twentieth century, the history of charitable giving and voluntary association in America stretches back to before the American Revolution. The Pennsylvania Abolition Society, founded in 1775, is widely considered one of the first nonprofit organisations in America.

Why National Nonprofit Day Matters

The nonprofit sector is a cornerstone of civil society. In the United States alone, the sector accounts for approximately 5.4% of GDP and is the third-largest employer in the country, providing jobs to more than 12 million people. Globally, nonprofit and civil society organisations are even more significant, often providing services and support that governments cannot reach.

Nonprofits deliver vital services that touch virtually every aspect of life: food banks and shelters for those experiencing poverty and homelessness, healthcare clinics for underserved communities, schools and educational programmes, arts institutions, environmental conservation projects, and countless other initiatives. They rely on donations, grants, and the goodwill of millions of volunteers to carry out their missions.

National Nonprofit Day reminds us that behind every successful charitable cause are dedicated people who have chosen to devote their energy and expertise to serving others. It encourages everyone to consider how they can support the organisations that make a difference in their communities.

How to Celebrate National Nonprofit Day

• Make a donation: Support a nonprofit organisation that matters to you, whether local, national, or international. Even a small contribution can make a real difference.
• Volunteer your time: Many nonprofits rely heavily on volunteers. Offer your skills and time to an organisation whose mission resonates with you.
• Raise awareness: Share information about a nonprofit you admire on social media and encourage your network to learn more or get involved.
• Thank a nonprofit worker: Reach out to someone you know who works in the nonprofit sector and express your appreciation for their dedication.
• Research local nonprofits: Use the day to discover what charitable organisations are active in your community and how you might support their work.
• Start or join a fundraiser: Organise a fundraising event for a cause you care about, or join an existing campaign in support of a nonprofit.

Noteworthy Facts About the Nonprofit Sector

• The Tariff Act of 1894, signed on 17 August 1894, first provided federal tax exemptions for charitable organisations in the United States, laying the foundation for the modern nonprofit sector.
• The US nonprofit sector accounts for approximately 5.4% of the country’s GDP and employs more than 12 million people, making it the third-largest employer in the nation.
• There are more than 1.5 million registered nonprofit organisations in the United States, ranging from small community groups to large international charities.
• The Pennsylvania Abolition Society, founded in 1775, is widely considered the first nonprofit organisation in America.
• Globally, the civil society sector is even larger, with millions of organisations in countries around the world addressing everything from disaster relief to peacebuilding and cultural preservation.
• National Nonprofit Day was established in 2017 by Sherita J. Herring, a nonprofit consultant and speaker who wanted to celebrate the sector’s impact.

Hashtags for National Nonprofit Day

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