International Day of Charity 2026
awarenessSunday, September 5, 2027
355 days from today · next occurrence
About International Day of Charity
The International Day of Charity, held every year on September 5, invites people everywhere to practice generosity in its many forms, from donating money and goods to volunteering time and simple everyday kindness. The United Nations established the observance in 2012 to recognize the role charity plays in easing humanitarian crises and supporting efforts to end poverty worldwide.
The date honors Mother Teresa, who died on September 5, 1997, after decades of caring for the poorest and sickest people in Calcutta. She received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 and became a global symbol of selfless service.
The day's message is that charity belongs to everyone, not only large foundations. A few hours at a food bank, a small recurring donation, or help for a neighbor all count. The goal is to build a habit of giving that strengthens communities and creates real social bonds.
When is International Day of Charity?
| Year | Date | Weekday |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | September 5, 2026 | Saturday |
| 2027 | September 5, 2027 | Sunday |
| 2028 | September 5, 2028 | Tuesday |
| 2029 | September 5, 2029 | Wednesday |
| 2030 | September 5, 2030 | Thursday |
History of International Day of Charity
The United Nations General Assembly adopted the resolution creating the International Day of Charity in December 2012, championed by Hungary and supported by numerous member states. Choosing September 5 tied the observance to the anniversary of Mother Teresa's death, honoring an Albanian-born nun whose Missionaries of Charity order grew from a single Calcutta congregation into a worldwide network. The UN framed charity as a practical tool for achieving its development goals, noting that voluntary giving and solidarity help address poverty, hunger, disease, and educational gaps. Since then, nonprofits, schools, companies, and governments have used the day to launch fundraising drives, blood donations, and volunteer campaigns each autumn.
How to Celebrate International Day of Charity
- Donate to a charity whose mission you trust, however small the amount.
- Volunteer a few hours at a food bank, shelter, or animal rescue.
- Clean out your closet and give usable clothes and goods to a local organization.
- Ask your workplace to match donations or organize a giving drive.
- Perform quiet acts of kindness for neighbors or strangers.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the International Day of Charity?
- The International Day of Charity falls every year on September 5, the anniversary of Mother Teresa's death in 1997.
- Is the International Day of Charity a public holiday?
- No. It is a United Nations observance, not a public holiday. Work and school continue as usual, though many organizations host charity drives on the day.
- How do people celebrate the International Day of Charity?
- People celebrate by donating money or goods, volunteering their time, joining fundraising events, and performing small acts of kindness in their communities.