National Nonprofit Day: Celebrating Service and Generosity
August 14, 2025
Every August 17, National Nonprofit Day highlights the many organizations that work hard to make our communities better. Nonprofits help meet urgent needs.
They work with local food banks and international aid groups. They fill service gaps and encourage people to take action. National Nonprofit Day is not just a date on the calendar. It reminds us how volunteering, donations, and advocacy work together to create real change.
What Is National Nonprofit Day?
National Nonprofit Day celebrates the work of nonprofit organizations and the people who support them. This includes staff, volunteers, donors, and advocates. These groups exist for the public good rather than profit, reinvesting any surplus back into their missions. They operate across nearly every sector: education, healthcare, environmental protection, animal welfare, arts and culture, social justice, and more.
This observance is an opportunity to recognize the vital services nonprofits provide and to raise awareness about their needs. Many people see “charities” as small, local groups. However, the nonprofit world also includes hospitals, universities, museums, foundations, and community service agencies. All of these help improve lives and communities.
History of National Nonprofit Day
National Nonprofit Day was created by Sherita J. Herring. She is a speaker, author, and business strategist. This day aims to highlight the important work of nonprofit organizations that often goes unnoticed.
She chose August 17 to align with the date the Tariff Act of 1894 was signed into law in the United States. This law created the first federal income tax exemption for nonprofit groups. It set the stage for today's charitable sector.
While the formal recognition of National Nonprofit Day is relatively recent, the spirit behind it has deep roots. For centuries, communities have relied on charitable and mission-driven work to address needs governments and businesses could not fully meet. The official holiday serves to bring this tradition into sharper public focus, encouraging greater participation and support.
Meaningful Ways to Observe National Nonprofit Day
Donate to a Cause You Care About
Monetary donations are often the most flexible and impactful way to support a nonprofit’s mission. Even small contributions can add up to significant change when combined with others’ generosity.
Volunteer Your Time or Skills
Many organizations depend on volunteers to carry out daily operations. No matter if you serve meals at a shelter, help build homes, tutor students, or share your skills, your time is a precious gift.
Amplify Awareness
Share information about your favorite nonprofits on social media, encourage friends and family to get involved, and help spread their message to a wider audience.
Organize a Fundraiser or Supply Drive
From online campaigns to in-person events, creative fundraising can provide nonprofits with critical resources and inspire community involvement.
Learn About the Sector
Understanding how nonprofits operate—their funding models, governance, and impact—can make you a more effective advocate and supporter.
Why National Nonprofit Day Matters
Nonprofits are often the safety net when other systems fall short. They respond to emergencies, champion social causes, preserve culture, and protect vulnerable populations. In the U.S. alone, the nonprofit sector employs more than 12 million people and contributes over $1 trillion annually to the economy.
But beyond the numbers, nonprofits foster empathy, solidarity, and civic engagement. They allow people to be part of something bigger than themselves. They can see how working together can solve problems. National Nonprofit Day reminds us that these organizations need both recognition and resources to continue their work.
Bottom Line
By celebrating on August 17—and by supporting nonprofits year-round—we help sustain the organizations that uplift communities, protect rights, and inspire hope. We can all help strengthen this important sector. We can do this by giving money, volunteering, or sharing our stories.
Sources:
https://nationaltoday.com/national-nonprofit-day/#national-nonprofit-day-timeline
https://www.givesmart.com/blog/5-meaningful-ways-to-celebrate-national-nonprofit-day/
Disclosure:
This information is an overview and should not be considered as specific guidance or recommendations for any individual or business.
This material is provided as a courtesy and for educational purposes only.
These are the views of the author, not the named Representative or Advisory Services Network, LLC, and should not be construed as investment advice. Neither the named Representative nor Advisory Services Network, LLC gives tax or legal advice. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however, we make no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. Please consult your Financial Advisor for further information.