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America Gives
America Gives will be focused on reinvigorating a national year-round culture of service in the United States through 2026 and beyond, starting with a preview in 2024.
The Largest-Ever National Service Initiative in American History
The 250th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence provides all of us with a unique opportunity to pause, reflect on our past, and share our hopes and dreams for the future. As we look to our past, we are reminded that the United States has a rich history of service, from Benjamin Franklin’s first volunteer fire brigade in the 1700s, to the founding of organizations like the American Red Cross in 1881, to the creation of the Peace Corps and more well into the 20th century. Now, as we approach our Semiquincentennial, we hope to build on America’s legacy of giving back. Anchored to the two federally recognized days of service, September 11 and MLK Jr. Day in January, America Gives is focused on three key pillars.
America Gives Founding Partners & Activities
In collaboration with our Founding Partners below, we are encouraging every American to find and sign up for opportunities to give back today.
Other Partners
Brought to you by America250 Founding Sponsor Walmart.
FAQs
What is America Gives?
America Gives is a national effort to reinvigorate a year-round culture of service leading up to 2026. We are aspiring to create the largest-ever national service initiative in American history. America Gives will focus on three key pillars: charitable giving, volunteering, and public service, including military service. Anchored around the two officially recognized days of service established under federal law and Presidential Proclamation: Martin Luther King Jr. Day and September 11, America Gives will leverage these days to build year-round engagement and momentum leading up to 2026. Our hope is that through this effort, we will create a lasting legacy of service for generations to come to continue to take part in.
When will America Gives launch?
A preview of America Gives will begin in September 2024, leading up to the official launch of the year-round effort in January 2025.
How will America Gives activate around its key pillars?
To shine a light on charitable giving, we will show the impact of, and encourage a significant increase in, the number of small donations to America’s service organizations/nonprofits in 2026. To encourage and celebrate volunteering, we will create a national network of volunteer opportunities to engage Americans from sea to shining sea, including through partnerships with leading like-minded organizations. Our goal with this connection is to ultimately break the record for cumulative volunteer hours across all partners in 2026. We will educate the public on an unprecedented scale on the value, impact and opportunities that exist in the public sector.
How will America Gives engage Americans?
America Gives will work with national nonprofit, volunteer, and charitable giving organizations to engage communities across the country in this historic effort. In addition, individuals can find ways to give back, by visiting Ways to Give.
Get Involved
Please complete the following form if you and your organization are interested in helping bring America Gives to life or if you otherwise want to stay up to date.
America's Field Trip
Engaging students nationwide to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary!
This contest invites students in grades 3–12 to share their perspectives on what America means to them — and earn the opportunity to travel for field trip experiences at some of the nation’s most iconic historic and cultural landmarks.