Each year on September 5, the world pauses to honor the incredible role of charities and individuals who work to ease suffering and build a better world. It is no coincidence that this day falls on the anniversary of Mother Teresa’s passing, a symbol of compassion and selfless giving.

For nonprofits, it is more than a commemoration. It is a call to action. A chance to shine a light on your mission and rally supporters around your cause.

If you are wondering how to make the most of it, even with limited time or resources, here are some simple but impactful ideas:

Go Small, Think Big

If you don’t have time to plan a major event, that’s perfectly okay. You can still make a big impact with smaller, informal gatherings like a book club meeting, a neighborhood walkathon, or a virtual game night. If you’re unable to host an event yourself, ask your dedicated supporters to organize their own mini fundraisers on your behalf. Encourage them to set up personal fundraising pages and share these with their friends and family. Often, these intimate and grassroots efforts create a strong sense of community and lead to generous support.

Take Your Fundraising Online

Make the most of your online presence by turning your social media channels into storytelling platforms. Share a powerful story from your work, perhaps a life that was transformed or a challenge your team helped overcome. Set a clear fundraising goal, such as “We’re raising $1,000 today to launch [project name],” and invite people to take part. Use eye-catching visuals, short videos, and messages that are easy to share. Include relevant hashtags like #InternationalDayOfCharity and always end with a clear call to action. If you have an email list, send out a quick message to remind your supporters why this day is important and how they can get involved.

Fundraise Face-to-Face

Use the International Day of Charity to engage with people directly by bringing your fundraising efforts into the community. Encourage your volunteers to go out prepared with flyers and donation jars. Reach out to local cafés or shops to ask if you can place donation boxes or set up an information booth. Make sure your volunteers have a clear and concise message that explains your organization’s mission and how people can support it. Fundraising in public spaces not only raises awareness but also often results in immediate donations and stronger local connections.

Mobilize Your Leadership for Greater Impact

Your leadership team plays a key role in driving your organization’s success. On the International Day of Charity, ask them to lead the way by contributing personally to your cause. Encourage them to spread the word by sharing your campaign within their networks, helping to expand your reach. When your organization’s leaders visibly support your efforts, it builds trust and encourages others to follow suit. Their involvement can be a powerful catalyst for increased engagement and donations.

Lead with Gratitude

September 5 is the perfect time to express your gratitude to everyone who has supported your mission. Take the opportunity to send personalized thank-you messages to past donors, partners, and volunteers. Including a photo or a brief story that highlights the real impact of their contributions makes your appreciation more meaningful. A heartfelt thank you helps strengthen relationships and encourages continued support in the future.