On November 15, we celebrate the 40th anniversary of National Philanthropy Day. It’s a day that sounds made for millionaires. Who thinks their monthly $20 donation to an animal shelter makes them a philanthropist? Probably not many people.
But the truth is, every person who gives is a philanthropist.
According to Giving USA, in 2025, charitable giving reached a record high of $617.20 billion. As you speak to these philanthropists, keep the below takeaways in mind.
Takeaway #1: Think of National Philanthropy Day as a no-pressure entry point to legacy giving.
National Philanthropy Day is a perfect time to:
- Reflect on how today’s generosity creates lasting impact.
- Thank your legacy donors for their support and vision.
- Share inspiring stories of donors whose gifts make a difference.
- Invite supporters to think about their own legacy and the impact they can leave behind.
- Highlight milestones and achievements made possible by past planned gifts.
Takeaway #2: Show them how simple it can be to set up a future gift.
The word “legacy” can feel weighty. Remove the burden by educating your donors on bequests and beneficiary designations.
Everyone wants to feel in control of their decisions. Emphasizing the autonomy your donors have when it comes to their legacy helps them feel empowered to consider these two simple gift options.
Takeaway #3: Little thank-you’s can add up to big love for your non-profit.
When you thank your donors, does it ever feel kind of rote? It’s pretty obvious when you include it on a templated gift receipt or say it right after someone makes a contribution. Now’s your chance to do it just because you can. And it doesn’t need to be flashy—it just needs to be personal.
Maybe you bonded with a donor over your shared love of dachshunds (is that just me?), so you send them a dachshund-themed card. Or you discover a few donors are attending an upcoming event, so you leave a handwritten note of thanks for each. If you work in the arts, a leftover program from someone’s favorite show makes for a unique thank-you mailing that shows you listen and you care.
This is your chance to get creative, and it doesn’t take a lot of time or money—just the insights that come from recognizing your donors not only as contributors, but as individual people. National Philanthropy Day is the perfect opportunity to do just that.
While we’re at it…thank YOU.
Your donors trust you to help them match their charitable dollars to their values. That’s pretty special. Thank you for the hard work you do to further your non-profit’s mission.
For the last 40 years, there’s been a day carved out just to recognize how important philanthropy is. Here’s to 40 more.