Have you heard of National Give Something Away Day?

In 2015, a woman named Linda Eaton Hall-Fulcher started this annual observance in an effort to reduce clutter and help others who are in need. Essentially, celebrating National Give Something Away Day involves practicing simple and accessible generosity through the giving of possessions, time, skills, encouragement, and practical help. Common ways the day is observed include donating useful items (clothes, food, furniture, etc.), paying for someone’s coffee, sharing a meal, offering to help a friend or neighbor, passing along an encouraging note, and volunteering one’s time. 

The idea here is that even a small act of giving can have a meaningful impact. And, while we often view giving as simply financial, a holiday like this one expands our idea of opportunities for generosity. When we give time, talent, resources, or simply our presence to those in need, it ministers to others in a powerful way.

Generosity can be part of our everyday rhythms and activities.

In Scripture, we see a similar framework for generosity modeled and encouraged.

In Deuteronomy 15: 7-11, we see instructions to “be generous [to the poor] and lend them whatever they need.” In fact, this command is explicitly stated twice in this passage.

In Luke 6:30, we’re told to give to anyone who asks.

In Hebrews 13:16, we’re reminded to share with those in need.

In Romans 12:8, we’re shown that skills of giving, encouraging, leading, and showing kindness are all worthy of being shared with others.

As believers, we’re instructed to participate in the giving of our time, talents, and resources. And we can do so joyfully when we remember that God himself is generous towards us (James 1:5). Beyond that, we are actually told that, when we participate in generosity, we are being obedient to the gospel, which can result in the recipients of our ministry bringing God glory (2 Corinthians 9:13).

For Tyndale House Foundation, giving is central to the calling that we seek to be faithful to. One of our guiding principles is that followers of Christ should be engaged in creating and fostering cultures of generosity. We offer resources to partners, and those partners, as fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, are generous to those they are called to minister to.

Last year, THF reached out to current and recent grantee partners and asked them ten questions about their approaches, practices, and attitudes of generosity. The responses were encouraging to say the least. Here’s a snapshot!

Our partners practiced generosity by:

• Lowering financial barriers
• Intentionally caring for staff and volunteers
• Partnering relationally
• Openly sharing knowledge and expertise
• Intentionally sacrificing resources

Generosity doesn’t have to just be financial. All of these actions embody a biblical framework of giving that encompasses one’s whole life. As we seek to give radically in this way as a foundation, we were encouraged to see that, around the world, the global church is doing the same.

This July, continue to pray with us for cultures of generosity to be fostered in the church around the world. Specifically, join us in praying for the following:  

• That God would supply the needs of all from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19)
• That we would give cheerfully and intentionally (2 Corinthians 9:7)
• That we would be generous with our hospitality, our relationships, our material resources, our skillsets, and our financial resources (James 2:15-16)
• That our giving would be motivated by love (1 Corinthians 13:3)

Looking for ways to be generous? Here are some ideas in the spirit of National Give Something Away Day!

• Pay for someone’s groceries or meal.
• Clean out your closet and donate your gently used clothing.
• Help a friend or neighbor move.
• Host someone new to your area for a meal and fellowship.
• Write handwritten notes of encouragement to friends in need.
• Make a meal for a new parent or a sick friend or relative.
• Pray for and with friends and family going through difficult times.
• Offer to assist an older individual with yard or maintenance work.

May we all look for simple ways in our everyday lives that we can care for and meet the needs of those around us!

Click here to see THF’s 2025 Impact Report and Generosity Survey Findings!

Want to stay informed about significant events happening in the wide universe of Tyndale House Foundation partner organizations and about additional ways to pray? Join the Tyndale House Foundation Weekly Briefing Newsletter! Click here to subscribe to the newsletter.

Since 1963, Tyndale House Foundation has used publishing profits each year to give away millions of dollars in grants to Christian ministries around the world. Your purchases make it possible for THF to engage, equip, and empower local leaders around the globe for gospel impact.

Interested in finding a way to be financially generous, but not sure where to start? Tyndale House Foundation is a great resource for connecting to ministry partners, and a great option for giving. Want to learn more about what it means to partner through us? Read more here!