Encourage your friends to become philanthropists on North Texas Giving Day

Giving is not a solo act. When we give it touches so many people — more than we might even realize. And every gift makes a difference. In 2018 alone, North Texas Giving Day garnered 157,000 gifts, totaling $48 million to benefit 2,700 local nonprofits.

"Our goal behind North Texas Giving Day is to grow the power and spirit of giving," says Susan Swan Smith. Chief Giving Day Officer at the Communities Foundation of Texas. "We like to say that on North Texas Giving Day, everyone can be a philanthropist. It doesn't matter how big or how small your gift is—it makes a difference."

And the benefits of giving reach far beyond the recipients themselves. The act of giving also offers measurable benefits to the giver. The feeling of fulfillment that comes with doing something good for others, sometimes called a “helper’s high,” comes with both mental and physical health perks. Doing vol­unteer work also opens access to different social networks. boosting social skills and creating connections and friendships that can last far beyond the volunteer hours.

North Texas Giving Day added a volunteer component to its initiative so that people could come together to help various causes and organizations with their time and energy. In fact. last year alone. Texas residents pledged over 400,000 hours of vol­unteer work, which made a profound impact and likely forged many new friendships.

These displays of generosity don't go unseen. Families, friends and co-workers witness these acts and may be inspired to give too, because philanthropy is contagious. North Texas Giving Day makes showcasing your gen­erous gifts easy through its fundraising platform, where donors can encourage others to give through the website, easily shared on social me­dia channels. The greater the reach, the greater the benefit.

"We live in such a generous community. And when the word gets out about North Texas Giv­ing Day, more people will want to give," says Smith.

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The 10 Days of Giving starts on Sept. 9, 2019 and offers events and opportunities to donate, including fundraising pages and an improved mobile site, leading up to and during the official event. North Texas Giving Day takes place on Sept. 19, 2019 and will feature recently retired Dallas Maverick Dirk Nowitzki and his wife Jessica as honorary chairs. This year's 18-hour giving extravaganza will benefit a diverse range of non­profit partners and help community members identify a cause that they connect with.

"It is a wonderful opportunity to research and find a nonprofit that is aligned with your passions," says Smith. "Whatever your interest, I'm sure there's a nonprofit doing something to support things that are near and dear to your heart."

And when you've discovered your cause, made your gift or vol­unteered your hours, don't be humble. Tell the world, because you just might inspire someone else to do the same.

“We like to think, and it may be a little grandiose, that North Texas Giving Day is important to the community. It gives us a real sense of pride that we’re the most generous community in the country.”