National Philanthropy Day
National Philanthropy Day is observed each year on November 15. It recognizes the people and organizations that give their time, money, skills, and support to help others. The day also highlights how philanthropy can strengthen communities and support causes ranging from education and health to the arts and the environment.
How National Philanthropy Day started
National Philanthropy Day was established in 1986 by the Association of Fundraising Professionals, then known as the National Society of Fund Raising Executives. The observance was created to recognize charitable giving and the people who make it possible, including donors, volunteers, fundraisers, and nonprofit organizations.
In 2012, the United States Congress passed a resolution recognizing November 15 as National Philanthropy Day. The observance is not a federal holiday; it’s a day for communities and nonprofit groups to acknowledge generosity and encourage people to get involved.
What philanthropy means
Philanthropy often brings to mind large donations, but it can take many forms. A person might contribute to a local food pantry, offer professional skills to a community group, mentor a student, or help organize a neighborhood project. The common thread is a willingness to use time or resources to improve other people’s lives.
Charitable giving also has a long history in many cultures and faith traditions. People have supported neighbors, cared for those in need, and pooled resources for shared projects for generations. Today, nonprofit organizations coordinate much of this work, but informal acts of generosity remain important too.
National Philanthropy Day recognizes both sides of that work: the people who support a cause and the people who plan and deliver its services. A donation can help fund a program, while volunteers and staff bring the program to life. The day also offers a chance to learn about local organizations and understand how they use their resources.
Ways to take part
You don’t need to make a large donation to observe National Philanthropy Day. Start with a cause you care about, then choose a practical way to help:
- Look up a local nonprofit and read about its current programs, needs, and volunteer guidelines.
- Give directly to an organization whose work you trust. Check its website for the kinds of support it can use.
- Offer a skill, such as bookkeeping, translation, photography, tutoring, or help with a community event.
- Thank a volunteer, donor, fundraiser, or nonprofit worker for the time and care they put into serving others.
- Share information about a community group with friends or family, using details from the organization itself.
- Invite children to choose a cause and take part in a simple age-appropriate activity, such as sorting donated books or making cards for a community program.
- If you can’t give time or money right now, learn about an issue and keep the organization’s work in mind for a future opportunity.
Before donating or volunteering, review an organization’s official information so you know what it does and what kind of help is welcome. Small, thoughtful contributions can support meaningful work throughout the year.
Last updated November 11, 2026.
When is National Philanthropy Day?
National Philanthropy Day: Every year on November 15.
| Year | Date | Day of the week |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | November 15 | Sunday |
| 2027 | November 15 | Monday |
| 2028 | November 15 | Wednesday |
| 2029 | November 15 | Thursday |
| 2030 | November 15 | Friday |
Frequently asked questions
When is National Philanthropy Day in 2026?
National Philanthropy Day is on Sunday, November 15, 2026. After that, it falls on Monday, November 15, 2027. Every year on November 15.
Is National Philanthropy Day a public holiday?
No. National Philanthropy Day is an observance, not an official public holiday, so schools and businesses stay open as usual.
What is National Philanthropy Day?
National Philanthropy Day, observed each year on November 15, recognizes people and organizations that support others with their time, money, skills, and care. It highlights how philanthropy helps communities and supports causes such as education, health, the arts, and the environment.
How did National Philanthropy Day start?
The Association of Fundraising Professionals established National Philanthropy Day in 1986 to recognize charitable giving and the people who make it possible. In 2012, the U.S. Congress passed a resolution recognizing November 15 as National Philanthropy Day.
How can you take part in National Philanthropy Day?
You can donate to a nonprofit you trust, volunteer, offer a useful skill, or thank someone who supports a cause. You can also learn about a local organization and share information about its work.
Sources
✓ Date matches Ronald Reagan Presidential Library: Proclamation 5571—National Philanthropy Day, 1986 (checked automatically on November 11, 2026).
