Nonprofits serve as a lifeline for many people, providing support for those experiencing homelessness, health struggles, food insecurity or lack of access to education and the arts.
National Philanthropy Day, celebrated on Nov. 15, recognizes the contributions of these organizations. It was the brainchild of Douglas Freeman, a philanthropist and attorney who spent five years and sent 4,000 letters to Congress and The White House advocating for its national recognition.
In 1986, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed Nov. 15 as National Philanthropy Day. Since then, organizations around the country, including the Association of Fundraising Professionals and its more than 130 chapters, have paid tribute to those in the nonprofit sector.
In 2023, charitable giving reached $557.16 billion, though this marked a 2.4% decrease when adjusted for inflation, according to Giving USA. Individuals provided the bulk of giving (67%), followed by foundations (19%), bequests (8%) and corporations (7%).
There are about 1.8 million nonprofits in the U.S., employing about 10% of the country’s workforce. Money isn’t the only thing donors contribute, many also give their time or in-kind donations.
According to Forbes, Feeding America tops the list of the 100 largest U.S. charities, followed by Good360, United Way Worldwide, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Direct Relief.
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