Submitted Photo Great Plains Food Bank staff and volunteers celebrate more than $1 million in donations during Giving Hearts Day this year.

FARGO – Final figures indicate the nearly 650 participating Giving Hearts Day charities raised $30.8 million from 39,953 donors on Giving Hearts Day 2026, according to organizers.

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.

This year’s event on Feb. 12 drew 85,018 donations in total.

In the small-budget category (up to $250,000), Father’s Farm of Wolford and Camp Bentley of Drake were among the top five fundraisers. In the large budget category ($1 million or more), the top five included Farm Rescue, Great Plains Food Bank and HIA Health, formerly Hospice of the Red River Valley, which all service a large share of North Dakota.

Great Plains Food Bank reported it raised more than $1 million to support children experiencing hunger, providing more than 2 million meals. Each year, the food bank serves more than 65,000 children across North Dakota and Clay County, Minnesota, through a network of partner food pantries, shelters and meal sites as well as through direct service programs, including the BackPack Program, Youth Summer Meals and School Pantries.

“Our community continues to show up in extraordinary ways for children and families facing hunger,” said Ann Prifrel, CEO of the Great Plains Food Bank. “Giving Hearts Day is a powerful reminder that when we come together, we can ensure every child has the nourishment they need to focus on learning, dreaming, and simply being a kid. We are deeply grateful to every donor, volunteer, and partner who stands with us in this work.”