Friday, February 13th, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nate Mickelberg
NMickelberg@dakmed.org
701-212-0779

Giving Hearts Day Surpasses $250 Million Raised Since Inception

FARGO – Unaudited figures indicate that the nearly 650 participating charities raised a preliminary figure of $30.7 million from nearly 40,000 donors on Giving Hearts Day 2026.

A total of nearly 71,000 donations were made. Giving Hearts Day charities have now raised more than $256 million since the event’s inception in 2008. Official giving statistics and details will be released after all data is verified. Four charities (in no particular order) raised more than $1 million this year:
• New Life Center
• YWCA Cass Clay
• Farm Rescue
• Great Plains Food Bank

Donors also had the opportunity to record food or goods donations at one of 155 drop-off locations throughout the region and to record an act of volunteerism or service during the Giving Hearts Day season (Jan. 12 – Feb. 12). In total, 326 acts of volunteerism or service were pledged and reported.

Below are some of the notable winners of Giving Hearts Day boost dollars and Golden Tickets:
• $20,000 winner of Golden Ticket from DMF: HERO (Healthcare Equipment Recycling Organization)
• $20,000 winner of Golden Ticket from DMF: North Dakota’s Gateway to Science
• $10,000 winner of Golden Ticket from Alex Stern Family Foundation: Churches United
• $10,000 winner of Golden Ticket from Gate City Bank: CHI Friendship
• $5,000 winner of Bell Bank Social Challenge: Myna Early Intervention
• $5,000 winner of Bell Bank Social Challenge: Benedictine Living Community – Crookston

About Giving Hearts Day Giving Hearts Day, a 24-hour fundraising event for charities in North Dakota and northwest Minnesota, is co-hosted by Dakota Medical Foundation, Impact Foundation, and the Alex Stern Family Foundation. Since inception, regional nonprofits have raised $256 million through the day. 

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