National Nonprofit Day

National Nonprofit Day is observed on August 17 each year, a cheerful reminder to recognize the people and organizations that keep communities moving through service, advocacy, and generosity.

History of National Nonprofit Day

The date points back to a policy milestone in the United States: the Tariff Act signed on August 17, 1894, which helped establish tax considerations for charitable organizations and cemented the idea that public-benefit work should be encouraged rather than hindered.

Over time, the nonprofit sector grew into a broad ecosystem—everything from neighborhood food pantries and youth programs to research institutes and cultural institutions—making a dedicated day feel both natural and overdue.

The observance itself was launched by advocate and author Sherita J. Herring as a way to educate the public and spotlight the everyday impact of nonprofits. National Day Calendar notes the day’s formal recognition in 2017, and listings like National Today helped spread awareness so local groups could build their own celebrations around August 17, from small volunteer meetups to citywide appreciation events.

Why is National Nonprofit Day important?

Strip away the buzzwords, and it’s simple—nonprofits show up where the market can’t or won’t and where government help doesn’t fully reach. They translate compassion into logistics: meals actually served, beds actually opened, and after-school programs actually staffed. Marking a day to thank them nudges all of us to notice the infrastructure of care around us and ask what piece we can carry next.

There’s also a practical case. Nonprofits are major employers and partners in local economies, and the skills they cultivate—trust, coordination, steady commitment—spill into every corner of community life. When we lift up this work, we’re not just cheering volunteers; we’re investing in public problem-solving and the people who make it work week after week.

• It centers gratitude on the people who quietly keep communities running.
• It reminds donors and volunteers why their small, steady efforts matter.
• It validates careers in service as skilled, essential work.
• It helps neighbors see where mission meets measurable results.
• It turns “someone should help” into “here’s how I can pitch in.”

How to Celebrate National Nonprofit Day

Keep it grounded and local. Pick one organization you admire and offer what’s actually useful right now: a one-time donation, a monthly pledge, a couple of hours of help, or a specific item from their wish list. If you’ve got professional skills—design, bookkeeping, translation, or tutoring—ask whether a short “micro-volunteer” project would help them breathe easier.

If you’re part of a workplace, school, or faith group, make the day a team effort. Host a casual appreciation breakfast for nearby nonprofits, share their posts, or invite a staffer to speak over lunch about what they do and what support looks like in real life. Many communities even schedule open houses or coffee-and-connection gatherings around the date, which makes it easy to show up and learn.

• Send a simple thank-you email to a nonprofit you value.
• Set up a small recurring gift you can keep without stress.
• Offer a skill for a short, clearly defined project.
• Bring a friend to a nonprofit open house or meetup.
• Share one local success story and why it matters to you.

National Nonprofit Day Dates Table