7 Key Ways to Celebrate National Nonprofit Day

Americans give hundreds of billions of dollars to charity every year – and there are more than 1.5 million charities in the United States to choose from. But with so many options for donors and volunteers, how can you make your nonprofit stand out? National Nonprofit Day is the perfect opportunity to showcase your organization, make new connections, and bring in donations.

What Is National Nonprofit Day?

National Nonprofit Day is a holiday that honors the invaluable role of nonprofit organizations. It highlights their impact and celebrates their dedication to creating positive change by addressing various societal needs and challenges. By drawing attention to nonprofits, the holiday aims to inspire more people to contribute to essential causes.

When Is National Nonprofit Day?

National Nonprofit Day is on August 17 every year. The date marks the Tariff Act of 1894, which granted tax-exempt status to nonprofits. It was established by speaker and author Sherita J. Herring and was first observed in 2017. Today, many nonprofits celebrate the day with events and social media posts.

How to Celebrate National Nonprofit Day

National Nonprofit Day is a great opportunity to get your name out there, raise donations, and connect with potential volunteers for your nonprofit. Use these ideas to get started.

1. Host an Event

In-person events are one of the best ways to connect with your supporters, plus raise awareness and funds. Better yet, in 2024, National Nonprofit Day falls on a Saturday – perfect for holding an event. Charity runs and walks are great for drawing positive attention to your cause. Community fairs can showcase your work through booths, presentations, and activities, engaging families and local businesses. Gala dinners are ideal for networking and recognizing major donors. Remember to plan ahead, secure permits, and promote your event through social media, local media, and community networks to maximize attendance and impact.

2. Start a Fundraising Campaign

Nonprofits are always fundraising – but nonprofit holidays are the perfect reason to kick it up a notch. Begin by setting a goal that resonates with your audience. Craft a compelling narrative that connects your campaign to National Nonprofit Day. Explain why your cause matters and how donations will be used. Then use social media, email newsletters, and crowdfunding websites to reach your audience. Engage with your supporters by providing updates, sharing success stories, and using a fundraising thermometer to show the impact of contributions. And don’t forget to thank those who donate!

Personal stories resonate with people and inspire them to support your cause, so go ahead and highlight your successes by sharing stories of those you've helped. Use blog posts, video testimonials, or social media posts and include quotes, images, and statistics to make them more engaging. You can even turn August into a whole nonprofit month with a different post each week. By showcasing real-life examples of how your nonprofit has made a difference, you can make an emotional connection that lasts long after National Nonprofit Day is over.

4. Promote Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers are the backbone of the nonprofit world, and you can always use more of them. So why not use National Nonprofit Day to encourage community members to get involved by promoting volunteer opportunities? Create a list of volunteer roles, outlining the responsibilities, and advertise them through your website, social media channels, local newspapers, and community bulletin boards. Providing testimonials from current volunteers can also be very persuasive. Host an open house or virtual session where potential volunteers can learn more about how they can contribute. Remember, volunteers also become important advocates for your cause.

5. Celebrate Your Donors and Volunteers

You don’t just need new volunteers and donors – you also want to hold on to the ones you have. Celebrating your donors and volunteers on National Nonprofit Day helps build strong, lasting relationships. Host a thank-you event, such as a luncheon or an awards ceremony, or send personalized thank-you notes or small gifts of appreciation. Or show public appreciation by highlighting their efforts on your social media platforms, website, or newsletter. Acknowledging how their support has made a difference can strengthen their commitment and encourage them to stay involved.

Because it’s so new, not everyone knows that August 17 is the national day for nonprofits – but social media can change that. Use the power of social media to spread awareness about National Nonprofit Day. Create engaging posts that highlight your nonprofit’s mission, achievements, and ongoing projects, using photos and videos to capture attention. Encourage your followers to share your posts, creating a ripple effect that reaches a wider audience. And always add hashtags like #NationalNonprofitDay to increase visibility and join the broader conversation.

7. Encourage Supporters to Set Up a Recurring Donation

No matter which of these ideas you choose, take the opportunity to encourage your supporters to set up recurring donations, which provide vital, steady support for nonprofits. Highlight the benefits of regular giving, such as sustained impact and convenience for donors, and explain how consistent funding helps your organization plan and execute long-term projects more effectively. Make the process simple by accepting donations through an online donation platform, like Donately. Offer exclusive perks or updates to your loyal donor base as thanks for their continued support.

Use the Best Online Donation Software for National Nonprofit Day

Nonprofit holidays aren’t just about bringing in donations – but it’s definitely one of your goals. Having an easy-to-use, customizable donation platform can make a big difference in how much you raise. With Donately, you can create customized forms and donation pages, plus activate features like peer-to-peer fundraising, text message giving, and integrations with popular email and social media platforms. Sign up for free today and start building, so you’re prepared for National Nonprofit Day.