Since its inception in 2008, Giving Hearts Day has grown into one of the most significant charitable events in North Dakota and northwest Minnesota. Organized by the Dakota Medical Foundation (DMF), Impact Foundation, and the Alex Stern Family Foundation, this annual 24-hour giving extravaganza has raised nearly $195 million to support a variety of charities across the region. What began as a single day for giving has evolved into a community movement, promoting generosity, innovation, and inclusivity across the charitable giving sector.
What Is Giving Hearts Day?
Held annually on the second Thursday in February, Giving Hearts Day is both a fundraiser and a celebration of community. This year, the event falls on February 13, with early giving opportunities available from January 13 to February 12. This extension allows donors more flexibility to participate and ensures no one misses the chance to contribute.
Whether through financial donations, volunteering time, or donating goods, the event and GHD ambassadors invite everyone to embrace the mentality of “Give your way.” This inclusive approach has made Giving Hearts Day a standout initiative, encouraging participation from all walks of life through different avenues. Giving doesn’t just mean money!
Innovating the Way We Give
Last year, GHD took a significant leap forward with the launch of a new online tool.
This user-friendly feature allows donors to:
- Track financial contributions
- Locate drop-off points for goods
- Record volunteer hours
This innovation simplifies the giving process and creates transparency in contributions of all kinds—monetary, physical goods, or time—as they are recorded and displayed on the website. Plus, it showcases the collective impact in real time!
The “Henry the Heart” mascot was introduced to serve as not only a fun a element, but a functional one. At drop-off A locations, donors can scan a QR code displayed alongside Henry to register their contributions. This seamless integration of technology and creativity sparked new levels of engagement, doing what the Giving Hearts Day team and the community have done best— make the act of giving both charitable and enjoyable.
Get Involved
Both businesses and individuals are encouraged to participate in the annual event, here are a few ways you can make an impact:
Host a goods drive: Businesses receive a toolkit to promote the initiative, including a “Henry the Heart” cutout to spark excitement!
Volunteer: Record your time using the website’s tracking tool.
Make early donations: Take advantage of the extended giving period from January 13 to February 12.
Looking Ahead
As Giving Hearts Day continues to grow, its future looks just as sweet. The integration of technology, community engagement, and inclusivity makes sure the over a decade old tradition stays relevant and easy to participate in a rapidly evolving world.
Mark your calendars for February 13, 2025 and join in this celebration of giving. Whether it’s your first time or a long-standing tradition, there’s a place for everyone in the heart of Giving Hearts Day!
A Growing Tradition
Giving Hearts Day has grown exponentially since its humble beginnings. In 2024 alone, new tools and strategies led to heightened community involvement, with more people than ever choosing to give in their own unique ways.
Quick Snapshot—$195 million raised since 2008 for hundreds of local charities annually.
New Ways to Get Involved in Bis-Man
Join in for the Main Event
On February 13, the local business Send-It in Mandan will be converted into the local GHD headquarters! There will be live remote radio stations onsite all day featuring stories on the participating charities, an interactive heart activity, a custom photo booth by KZ Photo Booth, check presentations, and more!
In the evening, the event will go live with the Fargo headquarters TV Show called the Giving Hearts Day show on WDAY where a variety of charities are featured.
Paint the Town Red Contest
Businesses can share their support by competing in changing their storefronts the week prior to the event. The community will then vote on their favorite storefront (businesses can contact [email protected] for their participant packet).
First place – Caring Crusader wins $500 GHD Gift Card to donate to a charity of their choice.
Second Place – Charity Star wins $200 GHD Gift Card to donate to a charity of their choice.
Third Place – Big Heart Badge wins a $100 GHD Gift Card to donate to a charity of their choice
Join at the Capitol
It’s a legislative year which means, there will be a gathering at the capitol to inspire local representatives to get involved! This will take place on February 12 and February 13.
Henry the Heart
This year, there’s a mascot and it’s adorable! This is a great way for businesses of all sizes to show their support. Businesses can contact [email protected] and they’ll provide a Henry cut out.
1 Million Cups on February 12
On February 12, come learn more about the local impact GHD has on charities. Hear from a panel of speakers including those behind the scenes for the GHD headquarters main event
Feb 13 Giving Hearts Day
Bis-Man Giving Hearts Day Charities
- 31:8 Project
- Abused Adult Resource Center
- Adult & Teen Challenge, North Dakota
- American Red Cross
- Anne Carlsen Center
- Badlands Conservation Alliance
- Bis-Man Mentor Squad
- Bismarck Art & Galleries Association
- Bismarck Cancer Center Foundation
- Bismarck Global Neighbors
- Bismarck Hockey Boosters
- Bismarck Public Schools Foundation
- Bismarck State College Foundation
- Bismarck-Mandan Symphony Orchestra
- Bismarck-Mandan Young Life
- Blessed Builders Ministry
- Brave the Shave
- Bridging the Dental Gap
- Camp of the Cross Ministries
- Central Dakota Children’s Choir
- Central Dakota Humane Society
- Children’s Advocacy Centers of North Dakota
- Christ the King Catholic Montessori School
- Cross Training
- Cystic Fibrosis Association of North Dakota
- Dakota Children’s Advocacy Center
- Designer Genes of North Dakota
- Dream Center Bismarck
- Families Flourish (previously Prevent Child Abuse North Dakota)
- Furry Friends Rockin’ Rescue
- Heartview Foundation – Bismarck
- Hope Manor Foundation, Inc
- Hospice of the Red River Valley I
- nspiring Minds, Center for Dyslexia and Literacy
- Kitty City
- Legal Services of North Dakota
- Light of Christ Catholic Schools
- Linton Regional Medical Center Foundation
- Make-A-Wish North Dakota
- Martin Luther School
- Ministry On The Margins
- Missouri Slope Foundation
- Missouri Valley Family YMCA
- MSA United Way
- Nexus-PATH Family Healing (formerly PATH North Dakota)
- North Dakota Assistive
- North Dakota Association for the Disabled (NDAD)
- North Dakota Family Alliance
- North Dakota FFA Foundation
- North Dakota Right to Life Educational Trust
- North Dakota Safety Council
- North Dakota Stockmen’s Foundation
- North Dakota United Foundation North Dakota Veterans Cemetery Foundation
- North Dakota’s Gateway to Science
- Northern Plains Dance
- Robert E. Asker Scottish Rite Speech Therapy Center for Children – Bismarck
- Ronald McDonald House Charities of Bismarck, ND
- Salvation Army BismarckMandan
- Shiloh Christian School
- Sleepy Hollow Theatre & Arts Park
- Soul 57
- Soup Cafe: Heavens Helpers Closet (701); Heavens Helpers Repurpose Store
- St. Joseph Montessori School and School of the Holy Family
- State Historical Society of North Dakota Foundation
- The Capital Gallery Society
- The GOD’S CHILD Project
- TR 4 Heart & Soul
- Tracy’s Sanctuary House
- University of Mary
- Welcome House, Inc.
- Western North Dakota Honor Flight
- Women’s Care Center Bismarck
- Youthworks
- Tech4Kids