What is GivingTuesday?

What is Giving Tuesday?

Giving Tuesday is a global generosity movement that takes place annually on the Tuesday following the Thanksgiving holiday in the United States. It serves as a day for people around the world to come together and support charitable causes through donations, volunteering, and various acts of kindness.

Key points about GivingTuesday:

Origin:

GivingTuesday was first organized in 2012 by the Belfer Center for Innovation & Social Impact at the 92nd Street Y, a cultural center in New York City, in partnership with the United Nations Foundation. It was created as a response to the consumer-focused events of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, encouraging a shift toward philanthropy and giving back.

Date:

Giving Tuesday occurs on the Tuesday following the Thanksgiving holiday each year. This places it after the widely recognized shopping days of Black Friday and Cyber Monday and aims to kick off the charitable season.

Global Movement:

While it originated in the United States, GivingTuesday has become a global movement with participation from individuals, nonprofits, businesses, and communities worldwide. It encourages people to give their time, money, or resources to causes that matter to them.

Online and Offline Giving:

The movement leverages the power of social media and online platforms to amplify the message and encourage donations. However, participation is not limited to online activities, and individuals can also engage in offline acts of kindness and volunteerism.

Diverse Causes:

GivingTuesday encompasses a wide range of charitable causes, including education, healthcare, poverty alleviation, environmental conservation, arts and culture, and more. Participants are encouraged to support organizations and initiatives that align with their values and interests.

Corporate and Nonprofit Involvement:

Businesses, corporations, and nonprofit organizations actively participate in GivingTuesday by launching fundraising campaigns, offering matching donations, and promoting charitable initiatives. Many companies also use this day to highlight their corporate social responsibility efforts.

Social Media Campaigns:

The movement utilizes social media platforms to spread awareness and encourage individuals to share their acts of generosity. The use of hashtags like #GivingTuesday helps create a collective online conversation.

Impact:

GivingTuesday has grown significantly over the years, with millions of people participating and billions of dollars raised for various causes. The movement continues to inspire a spirit of philanthropy and community engagement.