Giving Hearts Day

24-hour giving event to be held Feb. 12

The North Dakota Stockmen’s Foundation will participate in Giving Hearts Day on Feb. 12 with the goal of raising funds to support the 501(c)3’s charitable mission: providing hope and opportunity for the state’s beef cattle industry.

Giving Hearts Day is the largest 24-hour giving event in North Dakota and northwestern Minnesota in which nearly 640 non-profit organizations participate. Last year, more than 40,000 donors raised $31.5 million for the participating non-profits. The non-profits are required to find at least $3,000 in match donations to participate. Match donors so far include Gene and Tammy Heinrich, Scott and Heather Katus, Jason and Peggy Leiseth and Wendy Stuber. 

The North Dakota Stockmen’s Foundation has set a goal to raise $15,000 to support the organization’s scholarship, leadership, promotion, research, building and disaster relief objectives. 

“We are excited to participate in Giving Hearts Day again this year,” said NDSF President Jason Leiseth of Arnegard. “For 17 years, the Stockmen’s Foundation has worked to preserve the ranching way of life for future generations by advancing beef promotion, research, scholarships, leadership development, disaster relief and industry-building opportunities. From supporting youth through scholarships and leadership programs to responding in times of crisis, such as the Out of the Ashes wildfire disaster relief effort, and helping meet immediate needs through charitable food collections, the Foundation is committed to providing hope and opportunity for those connected to North Dakota’s cattle industry and ensuring a strong legacy for generations to come.” 

The funds raised on Giving Hearts Day will benefit the livestock industry through projects such as scholarships, disaster relief assistance, industry resources, research and more.

If you are interested in making a Giving Hearts Day donation to non-profit organizations like the Stockmen’s Foundation, visit www.givingheartsday.org on Thursday, Feb. 12. Early giving opens Jan. 12 and continues through the end of the day Feb. 12. The North Dakota Stockmen’s Foundation’s specific giving site can be found at https://app.givingheartsday.org/#/charity/1576 or at the QR code below. Checks made directly to the North Dakota Stockmen’s Foundation can also be accepted. Those can be mailed to 4520 Ottawa St., Bismarck, ND 58503. All Giving Hearts Day donations are tax-deductible. 

If you are interested in becoming a 2026 Match Donor, contact Julie Ellingson, NDSA executive vice president, at (701) 223-2522 or jellingson@ndstockmen.org. 

"Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does." - William James