Pictured: North Texas Wildlife Center in Plano. File Art

Donors can search for participating nonprofits and make donations at NorthTexasGivingDay.org through Sept. 17.

Murphy-area nonprofits are preparing for one of their biggest fundraising days of the year as North Texas Giving Day returns Thursday, Sept. 17.

From rescuing dogs in danger of euthanasia and helping young adults transition out of foster care to fighting hunger, rehabilitating native wildlife and bringing clean water to communities in developing countries, local and nearby organizations are among thousands across the region asking North Texans to support causes that matter to them.

Now in its 18th year, North Texas Giving Day has grown into one of the region’s largest charitable giving efforts. In 2025, more than 100,000 North Texans donated $78 million to more than 3,500 nonprofits supporting causes ranging from education, health and social services to the arts, environment and animal welfare.

Since its inception, the event has generated $712 million for North Texas nonprofits.

Donors do not have to wait until Sept. 17 to participate. Early giving began Aug. 27, and donations made through NorthTexasGivingDay.org count toward this year’s campaign. Communities Foundation of Texas, which presents North Texas Giving Day, is covering transaction and technology fees this year, allowing 100% of online donations made through the platform to go directly to participating organizations.

For Murphy residents, the event provides an opportunity to support organizations based in their own community as well as others serving residents throughout the surrounding area.

CAMO Dog Rescue has set a $25,000 goal to support its work rescuing dogs, particularly those other organizations may be unable or unwilling to accept because of medical needs or fearful behavior.  The organization primarily rescues animals on euthanasia lists that are in immediate danger.

Donations help provide vaccinations, spay or neuter surgery, microchips, foster homes, food and medical treatment while dogs await permanent homes. CAMO also works to socialize dogs when needed to prepare them for adoption and promotes responsible pet ownership in the community.

The Harvest House is seeking $50,000 to support youth aging out of foster care. The nonprofit provides transitional housing, life skills education, mentorship, workforce development and other resources intended to help young adults achieve long-term stability.

Current needs include housing and transportation assistance, workforce development funding, food and essential care items, educational and trade certification assistance, life skills resources and property and facility funding. The organization also is seeking volunteers, mentors and partnerships with businesses and churches.

Vera Aqua Vera Vita has set a $65,000 goal. The Murphy nonprofit works with people and communities in developing countries to create clean water and sanitation solutions designed to improve health and quality of life.

Nearby organizations also are participating in this year’s Giving Day.

Amazing Grace Food Pantry has a $10,000 goal to help meet growing demand for food assistance across North Texas. Donations help provide pantry staples such as cereal and soup as well as support the Food 4 Kids program, which provides child-friendly foods including cereal cups, protein bars, ravioli cups, fruit cups, juice and milk.

North Texas Wildlife Center in Plano has set a $50,000 goal. The nonprofit rescues, rehabilitates and releases injured and orphaned native wildlife. This year’s campaign will help fund expansion of its wildlife intake center, including a quarantine facility and additional outdoor pre-release enclosures, along with veterinary care and other expenses associated with preparing wildlife to return to the wild.

North Texas Giving Day is only part of the local nonprofit community. Not every organization participates in the annual event, and participation does not constitute an endorsement of an organization’s mission by Communities Foundation of Texas or its Giving Day partners.

Donors can search for participating nonprofits and make donations at NorthTexasGivingDay.org through Sept. 17.

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