Behind each community are several nonprofits that tackle almost every issue. They provide school supplies to students who need them, give food and clothing to the homeless, and advocate for social and political change.

The existence of nonprofits can be traced back to the passing of the Tariff Act of 1894. It exempted nonprofit and charitable organizations from federal income tax. Since then, “approximately 1.54 million nonprofits were registered with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in 2016” and the number continues to grow (https://urbn.is/3esxqo7). To commemorate the day the Tariff Act was signed into law, Sherita J. Herring created National Nonprofit Day in 2017. This national day is celebrated every August 17.

You can participate in National Nonprofit Day by:

• Promoting your favorite nonprofit organization with #NationalNonprofitDay
• Learning more about nonprofits
• Volunteering
• Donating to a charity

This is a great day to start a lifelong habit. Find a nonprofit that you have benefitted from or one that touches your hear and start to give back to your own community, whether it is in your neighborhood, serves across the nation or around the world.