National Nonprofit Day – which takes place annually on August 17th – is a special day to celebrate the hard work and dedication of the 1.97 million nonprofits throughout the United States. Great nonprofits that are:

Serving food.
Planting trees.
Raising awareness.
Providing education.
Combating homelessness.
Conducting life-saving research.
And 1.97 million other important causes.

As this commemorative day approaches, have you thought about how you are planning to celebrate? This year, I challenge you to consider all of the ways you can make a difference in your community. In this article, I’ll delve into five ways to support your favorite nonprofit on this special day. Whether you choose one, or commit to all five, I want to personally thank you for making an impact. Let’s dive in: 

1. Make a Monetary Donation

Yes, this is the obvious one! As we all know, financial contributions are the lifeblood of any nonprofit. Great work simply cannot be accomplished without monetary support. On National Nonprofit Day, consider making a gift to your favorite organization. 

FOX TIP: Be on the lookout for opportunities to double your gift! Many for-profit companies have matching gift programs – do you know if your organization does? If you’re not sure, contact your company and see if they would be willing to support a cause that is important to you! Many times, your company will simply need to see the donation receipt in order to send the matching gift. 

2. Supply An In-Kind Donation

In-kind donations are a valuable resource for nonprofits, providing goods and services that might otherwise strain their budgets. Whether it’s office supplies, equipment, or professional services, in-kind contributions can significantly reduce operational costs and free up funds for programmatic work. 

If you’re not sure if your favorite nonprofit is in need of in-kind donations, search their website for a “Wish List” or reach out to the fundraising team to ask if there might be needs that are not publicly listed. For example, the staff might be in need of a new coffee machine, but do not want to spend nonprofit funds on an upgrade. In this case, a brand new Keurig and coffee pods would make a wonderful in-kind donation. 

FOX TIP: Nonprofits that host in-person fundraising events will often trade sponsorship opportunities for in-kind donations. For example, if you are able to provide a nonprofit with the tables and chairs they need for a gala at a reduced price, or provide the event’s dessert at no-cost, they likely will recognize you in a special way!

3. Take the Time to Volunteer

For many nonprofits, volunteering your time and expertise can be just as valuable as monetary donations. Offer your skills to help with specific projects, events, or day-to-day operations. Volunteering not only helps the nonprofit but also strengthens community ties and provides personal fulfillment. Check a nonprofit’s website for upcoming volunteer opportunities, or reach out to their volunteer coordinator or program manager to inquire about how you might be able to help!

4. Share a Story

Storytelling is a powerful tool for nonprofits because stories have the ability to humanize their mission. In today’s attention economy, nonprofits are in dire need of new content to share. Whether through social media, newsletters, or a nonprofit’s website, they will be grateful for the opportunity to share your perspective with current and potential donors. 

Here are a five prompts you can answer with a story: 

• What is it about our mission that inspires you most?
• What was your first impression of our nonprofit? Has your first impression changed?
• What was one surprising thing you have learned since getting involved with our nonprofit?
• What would you say to someone who’s thinking about donating to our nonprofit?
• How does our nonprofit make our community a better place?
• And many more!

In honor of this National Nonprofit Day, we are collecting stories through MemoryFox! Take a moment to submit one or two sentences about why you are passionate about your favorite nonprofit now and we’ll feature it on Saturday, August 17th.

If you are reading this on your smartphone, simply click this link to submit your story.

Or, if you’re reading this on your desktop, scan this QR code with your smartphone to share your passion:

5. Tell a Friend (or Two, or Ten!)

Brand awareness is abundantly important for nonprofits with limited marketing budgets. Therefore, word of mouth is one of the most cost-effective ways to spread the word about your favorite cause. This National Nonprofit Day, post on your social media accounts and send emails and text messages to your friends and family that describe why you support your favorite mission. Let them know the importance of this mission, and encourage them to find a way to support them! (You can even send them THIS article to generate ideas). 

So, Which Type of Celebration Works Best For You?

National Nonprofit Day is an excellent opportunity to rally support and celebrate the contributions of nonprofits. By focusing on these five ways—monetary donations, in-kind donations, volunteering, sharing stories, and telling friends—you can enhance your favorite nonprofit’s impact and ensure continued success. Together, let’s make this National Nonprofit Day a memorable and impactful one!