Presented by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), National Philanthropy Day (NPD) is a special day set aside to recognize and pay tribute to the great contributions that philanthropy – and those people active in the philanthropic community – have made to our lives, our communities, and our world.

The movement began in 1986, when U.S. President Ronald Reagan signed a proclamation declaring Nov. 15 of that year as National Philanthropy Day. In the years that have followed, AFP has observed NPD on Nov. 15 of each year, and the annual event has been recognized by numerous state, provincial, and local governments across the nation.

National and regional events held on or around Nov. 15 recognize activities of donors, volunteers, foundations, leaders, corporations, and others engaged in philanthropy. The Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter of AFP holds its 2017 NPD Awards Breakfast, presented by the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation, on Wednesday, Nov. 1, at DeSales University.