This global generosity movement offers a break from the holiday checklist frenzy by unleashing the power of people and organizations in giving back to their communities.
GivingTuesday is an independent nonprofit organization and a annual global movement on Nov.30 that inspires others to give, collaborate and celebrate generosity. The organization was born and incubated in 2012 at the 92nd Street Y and it's Belfer Center for Innovation and Social Impact in New York City.
According to Giving Tuesday’s 2020 study, the total contribution to charitable organizations increased in 2020. In comparison to the year prior, fundraising increased approximately 5 percent, Super-sized retained donors increased approximately 50 percent, and recaptured donors of all sizes increased 35%.
The organization saw donors shifted their giving to pandemic-related causes.
"We experienced significant global health, social, and economic shocks due to the pandemic, alongside a groundswell of social movements around racial justice as well as ongoing political turmoil in the United States during one of the most turbulent years in memory. At the same time, 2020 was also remarkable for the ways that people across all borders, sectors and beliefs stepped up to help each other in response to the crises at hand with a renewed spirit of community, solidarity, and generosity," the report read.
GivingTuesday raised billions of dollars since it's establishment for nonprofit organizations of all kinds. Charities and businesses use the hashtag #GivingTuesday on social media to spread awareness and seek donations.
Not all acts of generosity come in the form of financial donations. Individuals who wish to participate on GivingTuesday may volunteer with a nonprofit organization, or it can be as simple as being kind to a neighbor.
People may participate in a number of ways on GivingTuesday. Here are a few ideas according to the movement's website.
- Give time and support: Volunteer at local nonprofit organizations or volunteer virtually to help spread awareness on local issues from your own home. Volunteer opportunities can be found online.
- Give your gratitude: Thank essential workers, write notes of gratitude on social media or in hand written cards for the people in your life, or express gratitude to organizations aimed on helping the community.
- Give kindness and generosity: Pay for the next person in your checkout line in a restaurant, coffee shop or drive through. Make sacked lunches and care packages including non-perishable and essential items for people in need
Visit givingtuesday.org for more information about the different ways to participate on GivingTuesday.
