National Nonprofit Day: Four Ways To Celebrate The Day

Every year on Aug. 17, we celebrate National Nonprofit Day (NND) to recognize the positive impact that nonprofit organizations have on our society and world.

It is the hard work of many nonprofit organizations that put food on many plates, provide free legal services and education for many people all over the world. Such organizations ensure aid reaches people who need it the most.

The NND is celebrated on Aug. 17 because that's when the Tariff Act of 1894 was signed into law. The law imposed the first federal income taxes on corporations but exempted charitable institutions and nonprofit corporations. With some exceptions, nonprofit organizations are still exempt from taxes today.

This day was founded by Sherita J. Herring to celebrate the over 1.5 million nonprofits functioning in the U.S.

As we celebrate another NND, here are five meaningful ways to celebrate the day.

1) Acknowledge the volunteers: Volunteers are the backbone of any nonprofit organization. One of the best ways to celebrate the day is to thank them for their service, either by sending them a thank you note or by sending them little tokens of gratitude.

2) Promote their cause: One can always promote such organizations by spreading the word. A hashtag on social media or a picture about their work can help your contacts create awareness about the great work they do. Publicity never hurts.

3) Help them with your skill: You can partner with a nonprofit organization and contribute your expertise in areas that will benefit them. For instance, a software developer can help them with digital services, while a writer can develop meaningful and deep texts to spread their message. In fact, several companies can include this in their social responsibility programs.

4) A digital donor wall: Encouraging donors goes a long way in boosting the performance of a nonprofit organization. One can always display a donor wall on your website or on stage for the next gala fundraiser. This scrolling donor list encourages and boosts the morale of those who make it possible to achieve your organization’s goals.