What is Year-End Giving?
The holiday season—beginning with Thanksgiving—is when many people naturally embrace the spirit of generosity. It’s often called “the season of giving,” or, as many not-for-profits refer to it, “year-end giving.”
During this time, as people shop for loved ones and exchange gifts, they’re also inspired to give back to organizations that make a meaningful difference. That’s why the holidays are the perfect moment to support the mission-driven work happening in our communities.
The Power of Year-End Giving
Every year, the holiday season reminds us what matters most: connection, compassion and the small acts of generosity that bring comfort to others. It’s also a time when not-for-profits rely heavily on community support. Approximately 30% of donations occur in December, with 12% of all giving concentrated in the final three days of the year—December 29, 30 and 31.[1]
Year-end gifts may also be tax-deductible, allowing donors to maximize their charitable dollars while supporting causes they care about. These gifts don’t just close budget gaps—they create moments of comfort and relief for families when they need it most.
How Year-End Gifts Can Support MJHS
For MJHS, philanthropy is woven into our history. For more than a century, donors have stepped forward so that no patient or family ever feels alone in their most vulnerable moments. Your generosity makes it possible for us to provide care that goes beyond what insurance typically covers—care that eases fear, brings comfort and honors each family’s story.
Year-end gifts can help sustain:
- Specialized pediatric care, supporting children and families through serious illness and profound loss.
- Creative arts therapy offers calm, expression and comfort when words are not enough.
- Memory care programs, designed to spark connection, promote safety and bring moments of joy to those living with memory challenges.
- Pastoral and spiritual support, meeting patients and families where they are—emotionally, culturally and spiritually.
- Culturally connected care, including trauma-informed support for Holocaust survivors and diverse communities, honors each patient’s lived experience and traditions.
When you support MJHS, you’re not just donating.
You’re giving comfort to a caregiver who hasn’t slept.
You’re giving a moment of peace to a child at the end of life.
You’re helping a family feel less alone.
Why Year-End Giving Matters Now More Than Ever
While total charitable giving increased 1.9% in 2023 to reach $557.16 billion nationwide [2], the number of individual donors has declined—particularly among donors giving $500 or less.[3] These smaller donors represent the foundation of not-for-profit support, making every year-end gift increasingly vital.
The Urgency of December Giving
The numbers tell an important story: December 31 isn’t just another day—it’s the most meaningful day of the year for charitable giving. Nearly one in twenty donations arrives on this single day alone. So yes—if you’re hearing from us now, it’s no accident. This is when generosity is top of mind, and we’re doing our best to turn that giving spirit into comfort, care and dignity for patients and families who need it most.
As you embrace the spirit of giving this season, we invite you to take a moment to explore the impactful programs your generosity makes possible, learn more about the patients and families we serve, and consider making a year-end gift to MJHS. Your support helps ensure compassionate care is there when it’s needed most—and that no one in our community faces life’s most difficult moments alone.
References
[1] Neon One, “12 Year-End Giving Statistics Every Fundraiser Should Know for 2025,” October 2025, Avid, “Year-End Giving Stats to Guide Your 2024 Fundraising Strategy,” December 2024
[2] NPTrust, “Charitable Giving Statistics,” July 2025. Total giving reached $557.16 billion in 2023, representing a 1.9% increase from 2022. The Giving USA 2024 report indicates that giving declined to individuals by 11.9% in 2024.
[3] NPO Info, “Understand Your Data | Charitable Giving Statistics for 2024,” May 2024, Healthcare organizations have a 25% retention rate for first-time donors, rising to 66% for online multi-year donors.
[4] NonProfit PRO, “15 Compelling Nonprofit Stats From 2024,” December 2024, Donorbox, “Nonprofit Statistics 2024 – Financial, Giving, & Industry-Based Data,” June 2025.