International Day of Charity: A Guide for Nonprofits and Supporters

Wondering how you can make a difference this International Day of Charity? Keep reading to learn more about this special holiday, plus tips on how to get involved.

5 minutes read
International Day of Charity: A Guide for Nonprofits and Supporters

Nearly 700 million people live on less than $2.15 a day. Poverty continues to be one of the largest issues facing our world today, and many organizations and individuals are striving to make a difference.

While there is still much to do, observances like the International Day of Charity inspire hope and action in the fight against global humanitarian issues like hunger and inequality.

In this article, we share more about the significance of this day and how nonprofits and individuals can make a positive impact. Read on!


What is International Day of Charity?

International Day of Charity is a global observance that calls on the world to take a stand against suffering and poverty in the month of September.

It was declared an international holiday by the United Nations in 2012 to promote acts of charity and volunteerism while also commemorating the death of Mother Teresa.

This important day unites and mobilizes people and organizations worldwide to raise awareness, volunteer, and donate to causes assisting the hungry, impoverished, and needy.


When is International Day of Charity in 2025?

International Day of Charity takes place on September 5, 2025.

The United Nations chose this date to commemorate the death anniversary of Mother Teresa, who received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 for her significant contributions and work in helping to overcome poverty and distress on a global scale.

The International Day of Charity theme for 2025 is yet to be announced. The 2024 theme centered on calling upon the world to act with compassion and solidarity.


Why Do We Celebrate It?

While progress has been made to combat hunger, inequality, and other humanitarian issues, millions of people still lack access to basic human rights, such as food, clean water, and shelter.

This is why we recognize International Day of Charity – to continue the important work of lifting people out of poverty and making our world a better place.

Nonprofit organizations rely on charitable donations and volunteers to continue making a difference and provide much-needed support to those who need it most. By advocating for a cause you care about, volunteering, and donating, you can make a positive impact in your community.


How Nonprofits Can Leverage International Day of Charity


1. Launch a time-sensitive fundraising campaign

International Day of Charity is a fantastic opportunity to raise the critical funds needed to fuel your mission forward and help your community.

Create an online donation form that makes it easy for supporters to give to your cause using a fundraising platform like Donorbox. This way, people can learn more about your fundraising campaign and donate in a matter of minutes.

Include a goal meter, along with a start and end date to create a sense of urgency among donors.

We love how Open Doors to Future Possibilities started their campaign on National Nonprofit Day and set International Day of Charity as a giving deadline.

Screenshot of an organization's Donorbox donation page for their International Day of Charity campaign.

Start Fundraising with Donorbox


2. Run a peer-to-peer fundraising drive

Peer-to-peer campaigns are a fantastic way to mobilize your supporters to fundraise on your behalf this Day of Charity.

With Donorbox Peer-to-Peer, create a brand-aligned peer-to-peer fundraising page. Send invites to friends, family, board members, and volunteers, or include an “I want to fundraise for this” button on your campaign page to allow anyone to start fundraising for you.

Fundraisers will receive instructions on how to set up their own customizable campaign pages, which they can then share on their dedicated social channels – with all donations raised going directly to your Donorbox account.


3. Host a fundraising event

Fundraising events are the ideal way to bring in more donations and engage your donors!

If you’re looking for International Day of Charity activities that will boost engagement and involve your community, here are some ideas to get you going:

  • Gala: Combine fundraising with entertainment by hosting a charity gala. Amp it up by adding a silent auction to your event!
  • Walks/Runs: Arrange a community-wide walk-a-thon or fun run. Raise additional funds by selling snacks and drinks at specific checkpoints.
  • Festivals: Encourage your community to come together for a good cause. Make sure the message of charity and uplifting members of the community remains central throughout the day.

Make it easy for supporters to purchase tickets online with robust event ticketing software like Donorbox Events. Include all the information about your event, along with an unlimited number of ticket tiers. Supporters can also donate on top of purchasing tickets.

We love how the Cumberland Community Events Center customized their Donorbox Events page to sell tickets to their Old Time Picnic:

Screenshot of the Cumberland Community Events Center's Donorbox Events page 1

Screenshot of the Cumberland Community Events Center's Donorbox Events page 1

Host an Event this International Day of Charity

Pro tip: Hosting a hybrid or in-person event? Elevate your fundraising potential by including a donation kiosk!


International Day of Charity Social Media Ideas

Social media channels are perfect for spreading the word about your mission this September 5th.

Some tips for sharing social media posts this International Day of Charity:

  1. Keep up with best practices: Keep platform-specific best practices in mind when crafting captions. For example, Facebook is ideal for longer posts, whereas Instagram is better suited for shorter captions.
  2. Use engaging images and videos: People love attractive visuals, so make sure your social posts feature high-quality images or videos that engage your audience effectively.
  3. Share an inspiring story: Share a story of a beneficiary your organization has helped. This moves supporters to donate and helps them feel more connected to your cause.
  4. Make it easy to give: Include a link to your online donation form in your bio, and make sure it’s visible to donors. Add a compelling call to action to donate in your captions and images.

When used cleverly, social media platforms help engage your supporters, educate them about your mission, and garner more donations.


How to Celebrate International Charity Day as a Supporter

Here are some ways you can get involved this year:

  1. Volunteer your time: Show your support for a cause you care about by volunteering. Look for volunteer opportunities at organizations like local food banks or mental health charities.
  2. Donate to a nonprofit: Make a one-time or recurring donation to a fundraising campaign that resonates with you.
  3. Raise awareness: Share hard-hitting statistics on poverty or impact stories from nonprofits on social media.
  4. Advocate for a cause you care about: Promote a specific fundraising campaign or beneficiary story by a nonprofit you support online, and encourage open dialogue regarding a humanitarian issue you are passionate about.
  5. Get friends, family, and coworkers involved: Motivate your loved ones and colleagues to donate to a fundraising campaign.

Whether you give your money, time, or voice, there are plenty of International Day of Charity activities to get involved in and help make a positive difference.


Over to You

This year, recognize International Day of Charity by stepping up and getting involved. We all have the power to change the world – one action at a time.

At Donorbox, we’re passionate about creating powerful fundraising features that you raise the funds needed to make a real impact in the lives of those affected.

Want more valuable fundraising ideas and tips? Check out the rest of our Nonprofit Blog and YouTube channel. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for helpful tips and exclusive insights sent directly to your inbox every month.

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Jamy-Lee has over 7 years of experience in copywriting and content marketing. With a background in volunteering, she now uses her passion for writing to help accelerate the all-important missions of nonprofits worldwide.

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