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National Philanthropy Day® Official Website

National Philanthropy Day®, November 15,is the special day set aside to recognize and pay tribute to the great contributions that philanthropy—and those people active in the philanthropic community—have made to our lives, our communities and our world.

2010 is a very special year, as not only does it mark the 50th anniversary of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, the chief sponsor of NPD, but it’s also the 25th  anniversary of this special day. 

We celebrate National Philanthropy Day because of the extraordinary impact of the charitable sector and the increasing role it plays in our societies and countries around the world. Billions of dollars are given every year. Millions of programs and services administered to those in needs. Individuals are connected to cause, and to each other. Civic participation, and important societal bonds, are created and strengthened through philanthropy as we work to improve the quality of life for all people.

In the United States alone, there are more than 1 million charitable organizations, and Americans give more than $300 billion annually to charitable causes (Giving USA Foundation). In Canada, more than 88,000 charities provide countless services to millions of Canadians, who in turn contribute more than $10 billion annually to those organizations (Canada Revenue Agency). In Latin America and Asia, with governments no longer able to provide enough funding for social services, charitable sectors are growing rapidly and creating programs to meet the needs of their countries’ citizens. The quality of life for all people—everything from education, healthcare, the environment and the arts, to name only a few—would be far less if not for these organizations.

Celebrate National Philanthropy Day®!

In 2010, the 25th anniversary of National Philanthropy Day®, more than 125 communities and 50,000 people around the world will participate in NPD events and celebrations. These events include award ceremonies, galas, luncheons, seminars and other special events. Outstanding donors, volunteers, corporations, foundations, small businesses, youth in philanthropy and others will be honored on NPD in recognition of their work in improving their communities and their world every day.

You are invited to join in the celebration. Use the links on this page to find a local National Philanthropy Day® event in your community and learn more about the importance of giving and volunteerism.

National Philanthropy Day is formally supported by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and hundreds of other nonprofit and for-profit organizations throughout North America. Click here to learn more about AFP, the leading professional association in the world dedicated to harnessing the spirit of philanthropy.

• NPD events planned for 2010
• Information about National Philanthropy Day® and the Association of Fundraising Professionals
• Wise giving tips and other ways to ensure your charitable gifts make an impact
• Data on the current state of giving and fundraising
• Information on ethical fundraising and what legitimate organizations will and will not do 
• The top philanthropists, volunteers, foundations, corporations, fundraisers and youth donors from across North America who are being honored this year at NPD events (coming soon)
• AFP’s honorees for its Awards for Philanthropy, recognizing the best charitable efforts around the world
• Famous quotes about philanthropy
• Famous dates in philanthropy
• Tips and perspectives for charities and fundraisers in the current economy

Breaking News:

• November 15 Declared National Philanthropy Day in Canada

For more information, contact Michael Nilsen, senior director, public affairs, at 425/890-6628 or mnilsen@afpnet.org