Big Day of Giving
A program of our long-standing initiative to grow local philanthropy, Big Day of Giving is a 24-hour giving challenge that brings the region together to support the nonprofits that serve our community. Big Day of Giving is Thursday, May 7, 2026!
Big Day of Giving supporters
24 Hours to Give Where Your Heart Is
A strong nonprofit sector benefits everyone in the Sacramento region, so ensuring nonprofit staff and volunteers have the resources and tools to sustain their missions is among our greatest responsibilities. That’s what Big Day of Giving’s all about.
Get Involved in a Big Way
A Big Deal
Big Day of Giving and GivingEdge — the nonprofit database that powers our annual giving day — are redefining local philanthropy.
Since 2013, Big Day of Giving has united our neighbors across the Sacramento region. To date, it has inspired more than 60,000 donors to give $117 million to nonprofits serving El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento, and Yolo counties.
In 2025, with the support of our trainings, 855 nonprofits raised over $13.8 million. Not only that, it has helped nonprofit staff and supporters deepen their connections and strengthen their impact in our community.
How We Got Here
Big Day of Giving exists because nonprofits need the support of this community to keep our community thriving. When this effort began, fewer local households were giving — and giving less — than the national average. Today, thanks to people like you who step up for local causes, giving to Sacramento-area nonprofits has grown. Your generosity helps shine a brighter spotlight on philanthropy across our region.
Hover over a bar to see the year and amount raised for local nonprofits.
Why It Matters
Stronger nonprofits are better equipped to drive meaningful change in our community. And that’s the ultimate measure of Big Day of Giving’s success. More than headline numbers, Big Day of Giving demonstrates:
Philanthropy Is for Everyone
Most gifts are $50 or less, demonstrating that small gifts add up to make a difference.
Giving Is Growing In Our Community
Big Day of Giving helps nonprofits reach more people: 25% of donors give to a cause for the first time.
Trainings Make a Difference
Organizations that attend our trainings raise 52% more than those that do not.
Nonprofits Feel More Connected
Two-thirds of nonprofits say their visibility and feelings of connection have grown.
Nonprofit database
GivingEdge
“Give smarter to local nonprofits.”
That’s the tagline for GivingEdge, a year-round resource for information on local nonprofits and the platform that powers Big Day of Giving. We created GivingEdge to help everyone in our community discover organizations that align with their passions. The nonprofit profiles in this searchable database are updated annually, offering insights into each organization’s programs, impact, and more.
GivingEdge simplifies and enhances local philanthropy. It not only empowers donors in our region to give “smarter,” but it also informs our work to strengthen the nonprofit sector — and the Sacramento region as a whole.
A strong nonprofit sector is built on equity and inclusion at all levels. Nonprofits in the capital area are stewards of the public good, playing a vital role in upholding the democratic ideals we cherish.
That’s why, in addition to helping donors learn more about local nonprofits, we use GivingEdge data to deepen our understanding of the region’s nonprofit landscape and identify opportunities for growth.
Mark Your Calendar
Mark your calendars for Big Day of Giving on Thursday, May 7, 2026!
If you’d like a reminder to give via email or text message, enter your details and we’ll send you a note. If you are affiliated with a nonprofit that serves El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento, and/or Yolo counties, use this form to register for an alert when registration opens in the future.
You can also register for monthly updates from GivingEdge, showcasing nonprofit events, volunteer opportunities, and more.
Receive a Big Day of Giving Reminder & GivingEdge Updates
