Today is National Nonprofit Day, a special day to honor the work of organizations and volunteers who strive every day to make a difference in their communities. Nonprofits can be found in all shapes and sizes, from small local charities to large international organizations. They are devoted to helping those in need, protecting the environment, advancing research, advocating for social justice and more.
Nonprofits play an important role in society by providing services that would not otherwise be available or accessible. They are often the first line of defense against poverty, illness and natural disasters. While most nonprofits are run on donations and volunteer labor, they provide invaluable assistance that helps people live better lives.
On this special day, it is important to recognize the countless contributions that nonprofits make to our communities.
Celebrating National Nonprofit Day
On National Nonprofit Day, thee are many ways to celebrate and show appreciation for the important work that nonprofits do. Here are five authentic ways to celebrate:
1. Send a Thank You Email – Take some time on August 17th to send a heartfelt thank you email to all of your employees and volunteers. This is a simple way to express gratitude for their hard work and dedication.
2. Social Media Shout Outs – Show your appreciation by sharing stories and photos on social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram using the hashtag #NationalNonprofitDay. This is a great way to publicly recognize volunteers and staff members who have made an impact in your organization.
3. Kickoff a FUNDrive® Event – Hosting a FUNDrive® event is an exciting way to get people involved in your nonprofit’s mission while raising funds at the same time. Have volunteers sign up to collect donations from family, friends, and neighbors while spreading awareness of your cause!
4. Share a Success Story – Highlight the success stories of those who have been helped by your organization’s efforts on National Nonprofit Day! Share these stories with local news outlets or create blog posts about them on your website so that people know just how much of an impact you’re making in the community!
5. Schedule a Group Photo – Last but certainly not least, plan a group photo session with all of your employees and volunteers! This can be done virtually or in-person if safety protocols permit it – either way it will be fun to capture this special day together and provide everyone with lasting memories!
Source: nanoe.org
Activities of Nonprofits
Nonprofits generally work to further a partiular mission or purpose, such as providing relief for people in need, promoting the arts, protecting the environment, advancing education and research, and developing new products or services. To accomplish their goals, nonprofits may engage in a wide range of activities.
These activities may include providing direct services such as medical care, housing assistance and job training; working on public policy issues; engaging in advocacy campaigns; educating the public about issues of importance; hosting fundraising events; running after-school programs for youth; operating homeless shelters; conserving natural resources or preserving historic sites; conducting research and development initiatives; offering financial counseling and literacy classes; managing microloan programs to help small businesses get started; providing grants and scholarships to help people pursue higher education opportunities; helping seniors access needed services or find employment opportunities. The list is virtually endless.
Nonprofits also rely heavily on volunteers to carry out their missions – something that makes them unique among organizations. Volunteers are often the individuals who are passionate about a cause enough to devote their time and energy to making it happen. There are many volunteer opportunities available with nonprofits – from serving meals in a soup kitchen to helping staff an information desk at an event.
The Purpose of Non-Profit Day
The purpose of U.S. National Nonprofit Day is to celebrate and recognize the hard work and dedication of nonprofit organizations in the United States. These organizations strive to make a positive difference in their local communities by providing services, programs, and assistance to thse in need. Nonprofit Day is an opportunity for the public to recognize the valuable contributions of these organizations, and show appreciation for all that they do. It is also an opportunity for nonprofits to come together, learn from one another, and share best practices. Celebrating Nonprofit Day is a way to honor the important work being done by these organizations, and to inspire others to get involved in their community’s local nonprofits.
What Other Celebrations Occur on August 17?
August 17th is National Nonprofit Day, National I Love My Feet Day, Black Cat Appreciation Day, National Thrift Shop Day, and National Massachusetts Day. National Nonprofit Day is a day to recognize the hard work of nonprofit organizations aross the country and appreciate their efforts to make a difference in communities. It’s also a great time to donate to a charity or volunteer with an organization you care about. National I Love My Feet Day celebrates the importance of foot care and encourages everyone to take good care of their feet. Black Cat Appreciation Day recognizes the unique beauty of black cats and encourages pet owners to adopt black cats from shelters or rescue organizations. National Thrift Shop Day is a reminder to support local thrift shops and second-hand stores for affordable items that often help those in need. Finally, National Massachusetts Day celebrates the history, culture and accomplishments of The Bay State!
The Purposes of Non-Profit Organizations
Nonprofit organizations serve three primary purposes: to promote social welfare, to provide charitable services, and to advance specific causes.
Promoting Social Welfare: Nonprofits are able to provide services that benefit their communities. These services can range from providing food and shelter for those in need, to helping fund community projects such as revitalizing public parks or improving public transportation.
Providing Charitable Services: Nonprofits often provide charitable services such as providing medical care for the underserved, offering financial assistance for those in poverty, or sponsoring programs that teach valuable skills and help build stronger communities.
Advancing Specific Causes: Nonprofits are also able to advocate for causes that they believe in and support activities that help further their mission. This could include fundraising campaigns for victims of natural disasters, advocating for human rights reforms, or running educational programs that help raise awareness aout important topics.
What Are the Limitations of Nonprofits?
Nonprofits are bound by strict regulations and must adhere to the standards set out in their governing documents. Generally, nonprofits cannot engage in activities that would provide private benefit to someone not associated with the organization, such as providing services or goods for free or at reduced cost only to certain individuals. Nonprofits also cannot use funds for lobbying activities or to influence legislation, nor can they be involved in political campaigns. Additionally, nonprofits cannot generate an excessive amount of unrelated business income (income generated from activities outside of the organization’s mission) and must file an annual 990 tax information form with the IRS. Lastly, a nonprofit must ensure that it is always working towads its original purpose; if it strays from this purpose, it may find itself in danger of losing its tax-exempt status.
How Non-Profits Generate Revenue
Nonprofit organizations typically generate money through a variety of fundraising sources, such as individual donations, foundation grants, corporate donations, and bequests from supporters. Individual donations make up the largest portion of a nonprofit’s revenue at approximately 70 percent. Other sources include foundations, which provide grants to support specific projects or initiatives; corporate donations; and bequests from deceased donors. Additionally, many nonprofits also rely on earned income streams such as service fees and product sales. All of thse sources combined help to provide the necessary funds for the organization to support its mission and serve its desired population.
Conclusion
National Nonprofit Day is a special day to recognize and celebrate the hard work and dedication of tose who work in the nonprofit sector. It is an opportunity to thank those who have worked tirelessly to make a difference in our communities and to inspire others to get involved. By taking the time to recognize these organizations, we are helping them continue their mission and make a lasting impact on society. Through thoughtful acts of kindness, such as sending thank you emails, recognizing volunteers on social media, hosting a FUNDrive® event, sharing success stories or scheduling group photos, we can show our support for these organizations and help them reach their goals.
