Every August 17th, we pause to celebrate something extraordinary….National Nonprofit Day. It’s a day dedicated to shining a light on the organizations that tirelessly work to lift others up, strengthen our communities, and make the world a little brighter. If you’ve ever volunteered, donated, or even just shared a nonprofit’s mission with a friend, you already know the powerful role these organizations play in our lives.
National Nonprofit Day has a fascinating origin. On August 17, 1894, the Tariff Act was signed into law, granting charitable organizations exemptions from the federal income tax levied on corporations. While the law has evolved over the years, these exemptions remain stable today, continuing to expedite nonprofit operations and encourage new organizations to take root. Incentives like this make it easier for people with big hearts and bold ideas to bring their visions to life.
The day itself was founded by Sherita J. Herring, an author and respected speaker, whose mission was to educate and empower all of us to be the change we want to see in the world. She knew that the first step toward creating a better society is recognizing the needs of those around us and acting on that.
Today, there are 1.5 million registered nonprofit organizations in the United States, according to the National Center for Charitable Statistics. That’s 1.5 million groups working in every imaginable area of our communities. Each plays a vital role in the fabric of our communities, making sure no one is left behind.
Nonprofits don’t just strengthen our social fabric, they strengthen our economy, too. The nonprofit sector is a major employer and contributed an astonishing $887.3 billion to the U.S. economy. They contribute 5.4% of the nation’s GDP. Think about that: these organizations aren’t just doing good work; they’re also fueling the economic engine that keeps our country moving forward.
Nonprofits are the heartbeat of our communities. They show up where there is need, often filling the gaps that no one else sees. They provide shelter for those without a home, food for the hungry, education for children, and comfort for the sick. They advocate for the environment, champion human rights, and bring hope to people who might have lost it. Their work is not just about meeting needs, it’s about shaping a society rooted in compassion, connection, and care.
And here’s the beautiful truth: we are all part of this work. We contribute in so many ways…by volunteering our time, donating our resources, or simply amplifying a nonprofit’s story so it reaches the person who needs it most. In 2017 alone, Americans donated over $400 billion to charitable organizations. That’s millions of acts of generosity woven into a national movement of caring.
If you’re wondering how you can take part, start close to home. Determine what is needed in your neighborhood and how you might help to improve things. It might be as simple as beginning a small community project or supporting a local business. Volunteer your time at a food bank, homeless shelter, or youth center….many nonprofits operate on a shoestring budget and would be thrilled to have your help. And don’t underestimate the power of your voice: raise awareness by posting about local organizations on social media, or even starting a blog to share their stories with the world.
This day is also about the people behind the scenes: the nonprofit founders who turned personal challenges into missions for good, the staff members who work long hours with limited resources, the volunteers who show up with open hearts, and the donors who give what they can sometimes in dollars, sometimes in goods, sometimes in encouragement….because they know every contribution matters.
So, how can we honor National Nonprofit Day? We can start by showing up for the causes we care about. Let’s make this day more than a date on the calendar, let’s make it a catalyst for kindness.
When we work together, we remind ourselves of the truth I see every day: change is possible, hope is contagious, and love in action is unstoppable.
Happy National Nonprofit Day!
CHARITY MATTERS.
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