How to Celebrate National Nonprofit Day
How to Make the Most of National Nonprofit Day
On August 17, the United States celebrates National Nonprofit Day, recognizing the impact of the social sector and highlighting the importance of charitable organizations across the country.
The key to success is to start early and plan ahead so you can fully maximize the day’s visibility and momentum. Below are top strategies to help your organization make the most of National Nonprofit Day.
Create an Impactful Crowdfunding Campaign With Persuasive Impact Blocks
Crowdfunding platforms offer nonprofits a powerful way to share their stories, rally supporters, and fund programmatic initiatives.
Rather than simply explaining the importance of your campaign, create a more engaging and immersive experience for supporters by using impact blocks. These blocks clearly show:
Where donations go
Who benefits from them
The tangible outcomes made possible by each contribution
Impact blocks strengthen the emotional connection between supporters and your campaign, leading to higher engagement and increased giving.
To amplify results:
Share short beneficiary stories
Show how different dollar amounts create real change
Lean into storytelling to motivate action
Drive Traffic to Your Social Posts With #NationalNonprofitDay
A well-crafted hashtag can generate momentum, boost awareness, and drive traffic to your campaign page. Using #NationalNonprofitDay helps your content join a larger conversation and reach new audiences.
For best results:
Aim for high engagement within the first 24 hours
Encourage likes, comments, and shares early
High engagement signals to platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn that your content is valuable—pushing it higher in followers’ feeds.
Tips for stronger posts:
Write compelling captions with descriptive language
Ask supporters to comment on why they support your organization
Include a link to your campaign page
Use #nationalnonprofitday alongside broader hashtags like #donate or #charity
Thank Donors With a Personalized Message
National Nonprofit Day is the perfect opportunity to show genuine appreciation. Personalized communication humanizes your organization and helps build stronger donor relationships.
To recognize major donors, consider:
Handwritten thank-you cards
Thoughtful, unique gifts
Donors should always be acknowledged for both their time and generosity.
Additional donor appreciation ideas include:
Newsletter shoutouts
Thank-you videos
Social media recognition
Website acknowledgements
Custom swag
Promote In-Person and Virtual Volunteer Opportunities
National Nonprofit Day is also a great time to spotlight volunteer opportunities. These may include:
Serving hot meals
Providing water at a 5K
Helping at a pet adoption event
Promote opportunities across:
Your website
Social media channels
Email newsletters leading up to the day
Consider adding a virtual or online component to in-person events to broaden participation and reach new supporters.
Above all, ensure volunteers feel valued and appreciated. A positive experience can encourage repeat involvement—or even inspire future financial support.
Encourage Donors to Amplify Their Impact With Recurring Gifts
A well-structured recurring giving program supports long-term sustainability and organizational growth.
In preparation for National Nonprofit Day:
Review your donor base
Identify candidates for subscription giving
Determine how to appeal to them
Set appropriate giving levels
Recurring donors provide predictable support that allows your organization to scale and plan with confidence.