North Texas Giving Day is already underway and culminates Thursday, September 17. This week's activities include a free downtown Dallas gathering Monday and an opportunity to double the impact of donations to Children's Health through a $210,000 challenge match.
Organized by Communities Foundation of Texas, the annual fundraiser connects donors with organizations providing health care, food, housing, education and other community services.
The foundation says the initiative supports nonprofits across 20 North Texas counties and more than 25 cause areas, with 100% of each donation going to nonprofits.
North Texans can get an early start on giving at the free Downtown Dallas Day of Giving on Monday, September 14, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Pegasus Plaza, 1500 Main St.
According to the North Texas Giving Day event listing, attendees can meet representatives from local nonprofits, learn about their work, and support participating causes. The midday gathering gives downtown workers and visitors a chance to participate during the workday.
From 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on September 14, Communities Foundation of Texas will match the first $1,000 of each eligible online donation to participating nonprofits, until the $25,000 matching pool is exhausted. Donors can find eligible organizations on the Downtown Dallas Day of Giving page. Participating nonprofits are selected by Downtown Dallas, Inc. from organizations registered for North Texas Giving Day 2026.
The Children's Health Foundation's 2026 campaign features a $210,000 challenge match from North Peak Capital. The foundation says the offer allows supporters to double their impact during North Texas Giving Day.
The campaign highlights two 7-year-old patients, Emma and Octavia, whose experiences show the care behind the fundraising effort.
Emma was born with a rare congenital condition and shares a special salute with the surgeon who has treated her since infancy. Octavia, who was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, celebrated the end of treatment by ringing a bell.
Children's Health says charitable gifts support research, programs, treatments and campus improvements.
The North Peak Capital offer applies specifically to the Children's Health campaign. Matching opportunities at other organizations depend on their individual campaigns.
Catholic Charities Dallas is using its "The Next Chapter" campaign to share accounts from people receiving help through its hunger, housing, and senior services.
One featured participant, Cynthia Ross, sought assistance while unemployed and caring for seven children, including five foster children. The organization connected her with the Jan Pruitt Community Pantry, where she could select groceries for her household.
"Not having to worry about where our next meal would come from was truly a gift," Ross said in the organization's published account.
According to Catholic Charities Dallas, the grocery assistance allowed Ross to devote more of her limited income to other household needs. The organization says she has received support for more than seven years.
Stomping Ground Comedy will host a North Texas Giving Day Celebration on Thursday, September 17, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Triumphs Espresso & Whiskey in Dallas.
The patio gathering will support the nonprofit's $20,000 Scholarship Fund goal. Stomping Ground will provide light appetizers, with drinks available for purchase. Its event page includes a ticket link.
Another participating nonprofit, Fort Worth's Rivertree Academy, will hold its annual Dinner Under the Stars on Wednesday, September 16, at Cullen Yards. The school says the event is sold out, but supporters can still contribute.
The evening will feature Rivertree Head of School Dr. Justina Jenkins and special guest Colt McCoy. Proceeds support the school's Christ-centered education and student programs.
Readers can also check the North Texas Giving Day events page for community gatherings and consult organizers for registration details and availability.
North Texas Giving Day began in 2009 and has become Communities Foundation of Texas' largest community investment initiative.
In its September 19, 2025, results announcement, the foundation reported that the previous day's fundraiser had generated $74.2 million for 3,500 nonprofits as of midnight. More than 94,000 people contributed.
Participating organizations represented causes ranging from education and social services to the arts, environmental programs and animal welfare.
This year, residents can use the official North Texas Giving Day website to find participating nonprofits and review their campaigns. Individual organization pages provide information about their work and opportunities to contribute ahead of Thursday's event.