On Nov. 15, we celebrate National Philanthropy Day (NPD), which gives us a reason to pause and recognize the charitable work that makes a difference and creates impact in our communities. Organized by Douglas Freeman in the 1980s, the first official NPD events were held in 1986 after President Reagan signed the official NPD proclamation.
Today, the Association of Fundraising Professionals leads the charge for celebrations, with more than 130 chapters holding events and activities in North America last year. It also provides the opportunity to educate youth through Learning to Give’s Philanthropy Day Lessons, which range from “What is a Philanthropist?” to “What Does a Philanthropic Organization Do?”
In honor of the day, here is a collection of our most powerful stories in the last year celebrating the people and organizations making it better in Chicago and beyond.
13 Most Powerful Philanthropists and Nonprofit Leaders Driving Change in Chicago and Beyond in 2022
2021 Philanthropy Award Winners
Make It Better Foundation Celebrates the 2021 Chicago Philanthropy Award Winners
Read more about Make It Better Foundation’s Philanthropy Awards
Best of 2022: Philanthropy
See more of our Best of 2022 winners
How to Help
Hurricane Ian Devastates Florida: How To Help Those Impacted by the Storm
Fight Food Insecurity in Chicago By Supporting These Local Food Banks, Food Pantries and Other Nonprofits Combatting Hunger
Download Better’s 2022 Resource List for Helping the Homeless in Chicago
Reframing the Gun Control Movement: Chicago Organizations Double Down on Gun Violence Interruption
How to Help the People of Ukraine
Better Makers
Chicago Public Library Foundation Honors Tony Kushner, Rick Bayless and Shermann ‘Dill’ Thomas at Annual Awards Celebration
American Red Cross of Greater Chicago Celebrates 2022 Local Heroes at the 20th Annual Red Cross Heroes Breakfast
Inspiring Change: SeaLegacy’s Cristina Mittermeier and Paul Nicklen Honored at Brushwood Center’s Smith Nature Symposium Awards Dinner
Lyric Opera of Chicago Celebrates 68th Season With First-Ever Gala Held Inside the Opera House
How the Chicago Dermatological Society Launched a National Movement to Make Dermatology More Diverse and Inclusive
Read more Better Makers stories
Give Time, Things, Support
Support These Organizations Keeping Our Neighbors Warm
5 Ways To Support Those in Need in Chicago and the Suburbs As Cold Weather Approaches
Read more Give Time, Things, Support stories
Matching Grants
Double Your Contribution: Support Access to Cinematic Storytelling With The Chicago International Film Festival
Join Us in a Fight Against Alzheimer’s: Donate Now and Your Contribution Will Be Matched
Celebrate 20 Years of Chicagoland Heroes with the American Red Cross and Increase your Impact
Read more Matching Grant stories
Feature Stories
‘Joy and Privilege of a Lifetime’: A Safe Haven Foundation President Neli Vazquez Rowland Steps Down After 28 Years
How Chef Rick Bayless Is Cooking Up Change Beyond the Kitchen
The Best Chicago Charity Galas to Attend in 2022
Kenilworth Union Church Donates $1 Million to Chicago Nonprofit By The Hand
A Preview of the 2023 Lyric Wine Auction’s Rare and Exclusive Lots
More from Better:
- 8 Tips on Investing with Impact from ESG Leaders Kathy Roeser and Emily Thomas of Morgan Stanley
- Award-Winning ‘No Ordinary Campaign’ Documentary Follows One Couple’s Crusade Against ALS — A Q&A With the Filmmakers
- LEGO Foundation and Lever for Change Launch ‘Build a World of Play Challenge’ to Combat Childhood Inequity — Meet the Finalists
