Celebrated on 11/15/2026
National Philanthropy Day was first officially recognized in the United States in 2012, but its roots trace back to 1986 when Canadian fundraiser Doug Freeman proposed the idea. The day is celebrated on November 15 each year, highlighting the impact of charitable giving and volunteerism.
The concept of National Philanthropy Day was first conceived in 1986 by Doug Freeman, a Canadian fundraiser and past president of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP). Freeman proposed the idea to honor the countless individuals and organizations that contribute to the betterment of society through philanthropy. The day was initially celebrated informally in Canada and the United States. In 2012, the U.S. Congress officially recognized November 15 as National Philanthropy Day through a bipartisan resolution, thanks to the advocacy of the AFP and other philanthropic organizations. The resolution acknowledged the vital role of philanthropy in addressing societal challenges and improving quality of life.
Since its official recognition, National Philanthropy Day has grown into a global observance, with events and activities organized by AFP chapters, nonprofits, and community groups. The day is marked by award ceremonies honoring outstanding philanthropists, volunteer appreciation events, and educational workshops on effective giving. Social media campaigns like #NationalPhilanthropyDay encourage sharing stories of generosity. In recent years, the focus has expanded to include not only monetary donations but also time, talent, and advocacy. Many organizations use the day to launch fundraising campaigns or highlight the impact of collective giving, such as through crowdfunding and matching gift initiatives.
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