Celebrating National Nonprofit Day: How to Support an Organization Near You!

August 17th marks National Nonprofit Day, a time to recognize the incredible impact and vital role that nonprofit organizations play in shaping our communities and enriching our lives. As a nonprofit organization aiming to help terminally ill patients end life well, this day holds a special significance here at Project 4031. We invite you to take a moment to reflect on the collective power of compassion, generosity, and learning about new ways to show your support. 

The Power of Nonprofits 

The nonprofit sector in the United States is a formidable force for good. As of 2024, the US alone has more than 1.9 million nonprofit organizations. Right here in Texas, we boast a thriving nonprofit community of over 148,000 organizations, contributing significantly to the well-being of our residents. 

In the healthcare sector, nonprofits are particularly impactful. They fund groundbreaking research, provide affordable medical care, offer support services to patients and families, and advocate for policies that improve public health. 

Focusing on hospice patients, Project 4031 understands how much community and support mean in the darkest moments. Like a lantern, we light up families in need by easing their financial burdens, allowing them to focus on creating memories with their loved ones, fulfilling final dreams, and bringing them joy and peace. 

The Origin of National Nonprofit Day 

National Nonprofit Day commemorates the passage of the Tariff Act of 1894. The Tariff Act, signed into law on August 17th, imposed the first federal income tax on corporations but included exemptions for nonprofit organizations and charitable institutions. This was an important step in formalizing the role of nonprofits in American society. 

The holiday was founded by Sherita J. Herring, an accomplished author, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. Her vision was to create a day dedicated to celebrating the tireless work of nonprofits and raising awareness about their critical contributions. 

How Can You Support Nonprofits Like Us? 

National Nonprofit Day is an excellent opportunity to reflect on how each of us can contribute to the important work for nonprofits that resonate with our values. Here are some ways you can support a nonprofit like Project 4031: 

Donation:  

Whether it's a monetary gift or an in-kind donation, your generosity is the lifeline to our patient services. According to our 2024 Annual Report, 80% of your donation was used to support our patient programs, directly assisting them with groceries, utilities, housing, fulfilling their last dreams and more! 

Volunteering:  

Volunteers are the backbone of many nonprofits, offering direct support, assisting with events, and helping with administrative tasks. Project 4031 offers various volunteer programs, including weekly Wings Volunteers who deliver lovely treats to patients, beautification volunteers who help with holiday and yearly maintenance, additional opportunities for special event preparation, and more!  

Participate in Community Events:  

Attend our fundraising and community events! Project 4031 hosts annual events, including:

• IMPACT Dinner: Our annual fundraising gala showcasing our impact on patients and their families, featuring activities such as a LIVE auction, raffle, and more.

• Lanterns on the Trail: An evening dedicated to commemorating patients served and celebrating their lives.

• North Texas Giving Day: The largest community giving event in Texas and the US. 100% of your donation will be used to support our service.

• Giving Tuesday: A global movement and wonderful opportunity for volunteering and giving back to your community.

  
  

We also host other special events available for donors and volunteers to participate in. Your presence shows support and helps us connect with more people! Reach out to us at info@project4031.org to learn more about how you can share your individual talents with us!

Write a Thank-You Note:  

If you have received help from a nonprofit like us, feel free to write them a thank-you note! A simple note of appreciation for staff or volunteers can boost morale and improve awareness, so more people like you can have easier access to the service they need. 

Spread the Word:  

Share our mission and stories with your friends, family, and network. Subscribe to our email newsletter, follow us on social media, repost our updates, and engage with our content. Awareness is crucial for engagement and support! 

On National Nonprofit Day, we extend our deepest gratitude to our donors, volunteers, and the broader community who believe in our mission. Together, we can continue to make a profound impact on terminally ill patients, their families, and the North Texas community. Thank you for being a part of our journey! 

About Us:

Project 4031 is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that offers no-cost services to terminally ill children and adults to strengthen their end-of-life stories. We provide assistance by helping struggling families meet basic needs through financial support and fulfilling last dreams. Our goal is to provide a better quality of life and allow someone to end life well. Based in Fort Worth, Texas, Project 4031 has been serving the North Texas community since 2011.