It's that time of year again when we celebrate the incredible spirit of giving and kindness—National Philanthropy Day (NPD)!

This special day recognizes the power of philanthropy and the amazing individuals and organizations that are changing the world for the better. 

Philanthropist and attorney Doug Freeman inspired the idea of National Philanthropy Day. After five years of work and hundreds of letters, the idea gained support nationwide. In 1986, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed November 15 as National Philanthropy Day. From then on, NPD has been a time for us to come together and celebrate the remarkable impact philanthropy has on our communities. 

So many of our fundholders, volunteers, and supporters practice philanthropy in so many ways. Here are some ideas that you might consider this November 15:

  1. Gather your friends for a fun-filled day of volunteering. Whether helping out at a local food pantry, organizing a neighborhood cleanup, or lending a hand at the local animal shelter, your time and effort can make a world of difference. 
  2. Giving doesn't always mean opening up your wallet. You can make a huge impact by donating stuff. Consider dropping off non-perishable food items at a local food bank, donating good-quality clothes to a charity, or contributing essentials to a shelter. Every little bit helps! 
  3. Educate yourself about the current needs in your community and beyond. Your community foundation has the resources and experience to help match you to causes and organizations that align with your passions. By staying informed, you can better understand how you can contribute to creating positive change, making your philanthropy even more impactful. 
  4. Donate. Whether from your checkbook or your donor advised fund, a financial contribution is a great way to show your appreciation for the dedicated work of your favorite causes and organizations.  Don’t have a donor advised fund? Cole Eason (mailto:eason@thcf.org), Vice-President of Advancement, would be happy to show you how to get started.

So, let's gear up to spread some love and kindness this National Philanthropy Day. Together, we can make our suburban Eastern Jackson County community a brighter and better place for everyone to live, work, and serve!