Giving Hearts Day is observed on the second Thursday of February. In 2026, it falls on February 12. This 24-hour fundraising event serves as a major “give-a-thon” for non-profit organizations primarily located in North Dakota and northwest Minnesota. It encourages individuals to show affection for their communities by donating to charities they love, providing a significant financial boost to regional health, education, and social service programs. ¹

History of Giving Hearts Day

The event was launched in 2008 as a collaboration between the Dakota Medical Foundation and the Impact Foundation. The original concept was to leverage the romantic spirit of Valentine’s Day to encourage people to show love for their community through charitable giving. In its first year, the event included 39 participating charities and raised just under $500,000. Since then, it has grown into one of the longest-running and most successful coordinated giving days in the United States, raising hundreds of millions of dollars for a wide variety of causes.

Over the years, the scope of the day expanded from its initial focus on health-related charities to include environmental groups, animal shelters, arts programs, and food banks. By 2011, it became a fully integrated regional tradition with specialized training programs for non-profits to improve their fundraising systems. Today, more than 600 organizations participate annually, supported by thousands of individual donors and a large network of “Giving Hearts Businesses” that provide matching funds and promotional support.

Why is Giving Hearts Day important?

This day is vital because it provides local charities with the resources they need to fulfill their missions throughout the year. For many small non-profits, the funds raised on this single day represent a significant portion of their annual operating budget. The 24-hour format creates a sense of urgency and community momentum that helps these organizations reach new donors and increase their visibility in the Upper Midwest.

Beyond the financial impact, the holiday fosters a culture of philanthropy and volunteerism. It teaches participants that collective small contributions—such as the $10 minimum donation—can lead to massive community improvements when thousands of people participate simultaneously. The event also provides a structured platform for businesses to engage in corporate social responsibility, allowing them to match employee donations and strengthen the social fabric of the regions where they operate.

It is the primary fundraising event for hundreds of local charities.
The day promotes the concept of “friend-raising” alongside traditional donations.
It provides essential funding for food banks and homeless shelters.
The event encourages youth and students to learn about charitable giving.
It highlights the specific needs of communities in the Upper Midwest region.

How to Observe Giving Hearts Day

The most direct way to observe this day is by visiting the official online platform to make a donation to one or more participating charities. Many donors use the site’s search tools to find organizations that match their personal values, such as animal welfare, veteran services, or youth education. Many local businesses participate by wearing red “Giving Hearts Day” shirts and turning their storefront lights red to show solidarity with the movement and encourage customers to give.

In addition to financial gifts, people observe the day by pledging volunteer hours or donating physical goods like non-perishable food and warm clothing. Schools often get involved by hosting mini-fundraisers or educational sessions about the impact of local non-profits. For those who want to spread the spirit of the day, “Giving Hearts Day” gift cards are available, which allow the recipient to choose which charity receives the pre-loaded donation amount.

Make a secure online donation through the official giving platform.
Wear red clothing to raise awareness for the charities in your area.
Pledge a specific number of volunteer hours to a local non-profit.
Check if your employer offers a matching gift program for the day.
Share your favorite charity’s mission on social media to inspire others.