Giving Hearts Day
Giving Hearts Day is a vibrant 24-hour fundraising event that brings communities together to support local charities.
This day is all about generosity, with individuals, businesses, and schools participating to make a difference!
Giving Hearts Day Timeline
1889
Carnegie’s “Gospel of Wealth”
Industrialist Andrew Carnegie publishes “The Gospel of Wealth,” arguing that the rich have a moral duty to distribute their fortunes for the public good, helping shape modern American philanthropy.
1914
Creation of the First Community Foundation
The Cleveland Foundation is established as the world’s first community foundation, pioneering the idea of pooling local donations to support regional needs over the long term.
1949
First National Muscular Dystrophy Association Telethon
Comedian Jerry Lewis and singer Dean Martin host the first Muscular Dystrophy Association telethon in New York, introducing the concentrated broadcast fundraiser model that would evolve into large-scale giving events.
1962
First National Cancer Telethon in the United States
The American Cancer Society’s nationally broadcast “Patients’ Progress” telethon showcases the power of televised, time-limited fundraising campaigns for health and social causes.
2012
First Global #GivingTuesday
Launched by New York’s 92nd Street Y in partnership with the United Nations Foundation, #GivingTuesday establishes a modern “giving day” model worldwide, using social media and online platforms to drive 24-hour philanthropy.
How to Celebrate Giving Hearts Day
The celebration highlights the importance of giving back to the community. People join forces to support various causes, from helping people without homes to funding educational programs.
This collective effort not only raises substantial funds but also inspires a culture of giving that extends beyond the day itself.
Spread the Love with Donations
Pick a charity close to your heart and donate. Every bit counts! It could be for kids, animals, or the environment. Imagine the joy when your favorite cause gets that boost. Encourage friends and family to join in. The more, the merrier!
Host a Fun Fundraiser
Throw a quirky event to gather donations. Plan a bake sale, organize a mini-marathon or even a themed party. Let your creativity run wild. Everyone loves a good time, and it’s for a good cause! Share the fun on social media to inspire others.
Volunteer Your Time
Offer your skills to a local nonprofit. Got a knack for organizing? Help plan their next event. Love chatting? Spend time with elderly or kids. Your time is as valuable as money. Plus, you’ll meet amazing people and make a difference.
Start a Giving Challenge
Challenge your friends to donate and pass it on, creating a ripple effect of generosity. Think of it like a game of tag but with kindness! Post updates and shoutouts to keep the momentum going. Watch the donations roll in and hearts warm up.
Spread the Word
Use social media to amplify the cause. Share stories of those helped by donations. Post about the impact and why it matters. Get creative with videos, photos, and hashtags. Your voice can reach far and wide, inspiring others to give.
History of Giving Hearts Day
Giving Hearts Day was launched in 2008 by the Dakota Medical Foundation and the Impact Foundation. These organizations wanted to promote charitable giving and community support in North Dakota and northwest Minnesota.
The idea was simple: encourage people to donate to their favorite charities around Valentine’s Day, linking the season of love with generosity toward those in need. The first event raised $500,000, and the impact has grown each year.
Today, Giving Hearts Day is one of the longest-running and most successful fundraising events in the region. It has raised millions of dollars for various causes, from health initiatives to education and social services. The annual event brings together individuals, businesses, and schools to support local nonprofits.
The success of Giving Hearts Day lies in its ability to unite communities. Participants learn about the power of giving and experience the joy of making a difference. This day of giving has created a lasting culture of philanthropy, encouraging people to continue supporting charities throughout the year.
The collaboration between the Dakota Medical Foundation and the Impact Foundation ensures that participating nonprofits receive the training and resources they need to maximize their fundraising efforts. The excitement is palpable as donations flow in, directly benefiting hundreds of nonprofits in North Dakota and northwest Minnesota.
Participants experience the joy of contributing to a greater good, knowing their donations are making a real impact. Plus, this day fosters a spirit of unity and compassion, reminding everyone of the power of collective generosity.
Giving Hearts Day FAQs
How can someone tell if a charity is actually using donations effectively?
An individual can review a charity’s independently audited financial statements, annual reports, and IRS Form 990 (in the United States) to see how money is spent, then compare this with clear, measurable outcomes the charity reports for its programs.
Independent evaluators such as Charity Navigator and CharityWatch recommend looking at a mix of indicators—like transparency, governance practices, and evidence of impact—rather than focusing on a single number such as overhead percentage.
Is it true that “good” charities should have very low overhead or administrative costs?
Experts in nonprofit management widely caution that an extremely low overhead rate can signal underinvestment in essentials like staff, training, evaluation, and technology, which can reduce long‑term impact.
The “overhead myth” campaign led by organizations such as the BBB Wise Giving Alliance, GuideStar (now Candid), and Charity Navigator urges donors to judge charities primarily by transparency and results, not by overhead alone.
What are some evidence‑based ways to choose where to donate?
Research organizations like GiveWell suggest donors first decide on a cause area they care about, then look for charities with strong evidence of effectiveness, cost‑effective programs, room for more funding, and a track record of learning from data.
Donors can also diversify by supporting both highly evaluated global programs and locally important organizations, while still asking each charity to clearly explain its goals and impact.
Do small donations really make a difference to nonprofits?
Nonprofit fundraising data show that small gifts matter because they make up a large share of total donor counts, help charities build broad community support, and can be combined with matching funds and recurring monthly gifts to create substantial, reliable income.
Studies of online giving trends by groups like the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy also find that many donors begin with smaller contributions and increase their giving as trust grows.
Are matching‑gift campaigns actually effective at increasing generosity?
Experimental and field studies in behavioral economics have found that offering a match can increase both the likelihood that someone donates and the amount they give, even when the match ratio is modest (such as 1:1).
Research published through initiatives like Innovations for Poverty Action and analyses of online campaigns indicate that matches work partly because they signal legitimacy, amplify perceived impact, and create a sense of urgency.
What psychological benefits do people get from donating or volunteering?
Psychology and public‑health research consistently link prosocial behavior—such as giving money, helping strangers, or volunteering—to higher self‑reported life satisfaction, lower levels of depressive symptoms, and in some cases better physical health markers.
Reviews in journals like Nature Human Behaviour suggest these benefits arise from increased social connection, a stronger sense of purpose, and the feeling of contributing to something larger than oneself.
How can businesses structure workplace giving so it genuinely helps communities?
Guidance from organizations such as the Council on Foundations and CECP recommends that companies align workplace giving and volunteering with clear social goals, involve employees in choosing focus areas, provide options like payroll giving and employer matches, and regularly report results to both staff and community partners.
When programs are well‑planned and co‑designed with local nonprofits, they are more likely to build long‑term capacity rather than just deliver one‑time donations.
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