National Philanthropy Day is observed every year on November 15 to honor the generosity that strengthens communities—through giving, volunteering, and advocacy. It’s a moment to recognize what’s working and choose one meaningful action. For Believe in Me, a youth-empowerment nonprofit guided by the Five Pillars of Caring—Basic Human Needs, Love & Belonging, Community Support, Education, and Enrichment—this day is a powerful invitation to stand with marginalized kids and help them feel safe, seen, and supported.
Quick action: Ready to turn gratitude into impact? Donate or volunteer today.
What Is National Philanthropy Day?
The spirit behind National Philanthropy Day (NPD) is simple: celebrate people and organizations that make the world better and invite everyone to join them. The day highlights every form of generosity—time, talent, treasure, and testimony—and reminds us that small, steady acts add up. NPD is championed by the fundraising community and embraced by nonprofits, businesses, schools, and local leaders across the U.S. and beyond.
When Is It and Who Started It?
National Philanthropy Day takes place every November 15. It began as a grassroots effort to recognize the people who lift their communities and was later formalized in the United States by presidential proclamation. Canada followed with national recognition, making November 15 a shared celebration of generosity across borders. Many local chapters of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) mark the day with community awards, luncheons, and service projects.
Why It Matters Now
Philanthropy doesn’t live only in year-end campaigns or gala ballrooms—it lives wherever people care enough to act. After turbulent years, giving and volunteerism are showing renewed energy. Donations from individuals, families, and companies keep programs running; volunteer hours stretch budgets and deepen community ties. In youth development, these two resources—funding and time—are the difference between “getting by” and growing up with opportunity.
For young people facing systemic barriers, the stakes are real. A safe place to sleep, a welcoming mentor, access to tutoring, adaptive sports, a class trip to a museum—each one opens a door. National Philanthropy Day reminds us that progress is personal: when a kid feels they belong, learns a skill, or meets a trusted adult, the whole community benefits. And when donors and volunteers move together, outcomes accelerate.
How to Celebrate National Philanthropy Day (Step by Step)
- Choose your focus. Pick the area of youth empowerment that speaks to you—Basic Human Needs, Love & Belonging, Community Support, Education, or Enrichment.
- Pick one action. Make a gift, sign up for a shift, sponsor a program, attend an event, or start a small peer-to-peer fundraiser.
- Set a clear goal. Decide what “success” looks like: fund ten tutoring hours, fill twenty backpacks, or recruit five friends to join you.
- Invite your circle. Ask a colleague to match your gift, put a link in your team chat, or turn lunch into a mini-volunteer hour.
Share your “why.” A sentence about why you care can inspire others to act—and keeps the momentum going after November 15.
Compare Your Options
Way to Celebrate | Time Commitment | Budget Range | Best For | Typical Impact Area |
Donate | 5–10 min | Any | Individuals & families | Flexible support across all Five Pillars |
Volunteer | 1–4 hrs | $0 | Community‑minded supporters | Love & Belonging; Community Support |
Sponsor (CSR) | Planning + event day | $$$ | Local businesses & teams | Enrichment; Education; Community Support |
Attend an Event | 2–4 hrs | $–$$ | Everyone | Community Support; Enrichment |
Peer‑to‑Peer | Light weekly check-ins | $ | Social connectors | Any Pillar via your network |
How Your Support Fuels the Five Pillars of Caring
Basic Human Needs. Stability comes first. Your gift can help provide safe shelter, nutritious food, hygiene supplies, and transportation so kids can show up ready to learn and grow.
Love & Belonging. Belonging is built through mentorships, affinity groups, and family-like support systems. Volunteers shine here—listening, cheering, and creating a dependable presence kids can count on.
Community Support. Neighborhoods thrive when people connect. Sponsorships and events bring neighbors together, reduce isolation, and create pathways to resources for families navigating tough moments.
Education. From tutoring and homework clubs to technology access and life skills, educational support changes trajectories. Donations can cover program materials, software, or the stipends that keep great mentors in the work.
Enrichment. Arts, sports, and hands-on experiences grow confidence and resilience. Whether it’s an adaptive sports program or a music workshop, enrichment shows young people what’s possible—and lets them practice leadership along the way.
Each Pillar is interconnected. A teen who eats well and feels safe is more likely to join a robotics club; a student who meets regularly with a mentor is more likely to try out for the school play. Your support sets these positive cycles in motion.
PNW Spotlight: Local Roots, Local Results
Believe in Me’s work is rooted in Washington State and the broader Pacific Northwest. That local focus matters: when gifts stay close to home, you see the impact in the places you live and work. Think community events that welcome every family, partnerships with schools and youth programs, and grantmaking that responds to real needs on the ground. If you’re in the PNW, National Philanthropy Day is a great time to rally your team, host a micro‑volunteer hour, or sponsor a neighborhood initiative that carries forward long after November 15.
Compare Your Options
Way to Celebrate | Time Commitment | Budget Range | Best For | Typical Impact Area |
Donate | 5–10 min | Any | Individuals & families | Flexible support across all Five Pillars |
Volunteer | 1–4 hrs | $0 | Community‑minded supporters | Love & Belonging; Community Support |
Sponsor (CSR) | Planning + event day | $$$ | Local businesses & teams | Enrichment; Education; Community Support |
Attend an Event | 2–4 hrs | $–$$ | Everyone | Community Support; Enrichment |
Peer‑to‑Peer | Light weekly check-ins | $ | Social connectors | Any Pillar via your network |
How Your Support Fuels the Five Pillars of Caring
Basic Human Needs. Stability comes first. Your gift can help provide safe shelter, nutritious food, hygiene supplies, and transportation so kids can show up ready to learn and grow.
Love & Belonging. Belonging is built through mentorships, affinity groups, and family-like support systems. Volunteers shine here—listening, cheering, and creating a dependable presence kids can count on.
Community Support. Neighborhoods thrive when people connect. Sponsorships and events bring neighbors together, reduce isolation, and create pathways to resources for families navigating tough moments.
Education. From tutoring and homework clubs to technology access and life skills, educational support changes trajectories. Donations can cover program materials, software, or the stipends that keep great mentors in the work.
Enrichment. Arts, sports, and hands-on experiences grow confidence and resilience. Whether it’s an adaptive sports program or a music workshop, enrichment shows young people what’s possible—and lets them practice leadership along the way.
Each Pillar is interconnected. A teen who eats well and feels safe is more likely to join a robotics club; a student who meets regularly with a mentor is more likely to try out for the school play. Your support sets these positive cycles in motion.
PNW Spotlight: Local Roots, Local Results
Believe in Me’s work is rooted in Washington State and the broader Pacific Northwest. That local focus matters: when gifts stay close to home, you see the impact in the places you live and work. Think community events that welcome every family, partnerships with schools and youth programs, and grantmaking that responds to real needs on the ground. If you’re in the PNW, National Philanthropy Day is a great time to rally your team, host a micro‑volunteer hour, or sponsor a neighborhood initiative that carries forward long after November 15.
Get Involved Today
If National Philanthropy Day has you thinking, “I want to do something,” here are three clear next steps:
- Make a gift. Choose a one‑time contribution or start a recurring donation that the team can rely on for planning. It takes minutes—start at our donation page.
- Raise your hand to help. Find a role that fits your schedule—event support, mentorship, or a skills‑based project—at our volunteer hub.
- Bring your company. Turn NPD into a team tradition with matching gifts, a volunteer hour, or a sponsorship. If you lead a CSR program, consider aligning your support to one of the Five Pillars for a clear, measurable outcome.
Want to connect in person? See upcoming opportunities on our events page. Youth‑serving organizations can explore funding partnerships via our grants program, and anyone can stay in the loop by joining the newsletter.
A Final Word—and an Open Invitation
National Philanthropy Day is more than a date on the calendar; it’s a nudge to act on what we already value. When you give, volunteer, or sponsor, you help a young person feel safe, loved, supported, educated, and inspired. That’s the heart of Believe in Me’s mission—creating a world where every kid has the foundation and encouragement to thrive.
So choose your action today. Start small and steady, or go big and bold. Either way, your generosity moves the needle. Join us at Believe in Me—because when one child’s potential is unlocked, an entire community moves forward.
