honoring the spirit of philanthropy - 40 years of National Philanthropy Day

By: Rhonda Crowder, CEO of Rhonda Crowder & Associates

The idea of philanthropy, loosely defined as the “love of humankind,” dates back to Andrew Carnegie, an American industrialist who led the enormous expansion of the steel industry in the 19th century. As a result of his ingenuity, he became one of the world’s wealthiest men and a leading philanthropist. 

Many have followed his lead by giving their time, talents, and treasures to a number of causes designed to create a positive impact on our communities and the world. As a result,  philanthropist and attorney Douglas Freeman first developed National Philanthropy Day, what we lovingly refer to as NPD, in the 1980s. 

As philanthropic deeds come in a variety of shapes and sizes - from charitable giving to volunteering - National Philanthropy Day is a special day set aside for the purpose of recognizing great philanthropic contributions that make our society better and to honor those who are active in the philanthropic community.   

With the signing of the NPD proclamation, President Ronald Regan officially declared November 15th National Philanthropy Day in 1986. Canada adopted NPD in 2012. 

Today, National Philanthropy Day is celebrated by hosting events to recognize donors, volunteers, foundations, leaders, corporations, and others who engage in philanthropy. It’s also celebrated by raising public awareness and interest about the importance of philanthropy. On this special day, thousands of people around the world come together to put the word philanthropy into action and recognize the phenomenal change it brings to our communities. 

Because the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) celebrates the people who make change possible, it is the chief supporter and sponsor of the NPD movement. In 2023, approximately 130 AFP chapters across North America hosted National Philanthropy Day events and activities. 

Within AFP, NPD is the biggest “to-do” of the year!

AFP Greater Cleveland Chapter recognizes NPD with a fundraising event that includes a morning educational panel, followed by a luncheon and award presentations.

Last year at National Philanthropy Day, AFP Greater Cleveland presented the Outstanding Philanthropist Leadership Award to Chace and Josie Anderson; the Corporate Leadership Award to Howard Hanna Real Estate Brokerage; the Foundation Leadership Award to Three Arches Foundation; the Outstanding Fundraising Volunteer Award to R. Mac Biggar, the inaugural Innovator of the Year Award to Benesch, Friedlander, Coplan & Aronoff LLP, and the Bob Cahen Outstanding Fundraising Professional to Joel Fox.