For more than a decade, the Tuesday after Thanksgiving has been more than another date. That Tuesday is known globally as Giving Tuesday, and it’s inspired millions to give to causes in their communities. Borders, budgets, or fundraising goals don’t limit generosity. It’s an ethos and value that makes people and communities better. So, if you’re looking for creative Giving Tuesday ideas, you’ve come to the right place.
As a nonprofit, church, or school leader, fundraising professional, or volunteer, the best Giving Tuesday ideas provide you with an opportunity to take your mission to the next level. How? You can leverage Giving Tuesday to recommit resources to your organization or join a movement that matters in your community. So, let’s explore what this particular Tuesday on the calendar is about, its fundraising impact, and how it could be one of the most powerful days for you.
What Is Giving Tuesday?
New York’s indelible 92nd Street Y launched Giving Tuesday in 2012. The idea behind it was simple and genius. As Americans know, we’ve grown accustomed to Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales right after Thanksgiving. At the time, the team at the 92nd Street Y and the United Nations Foundation considered creating a day during the holiday season where people could give back to causes.
Giving Tuesday was, and still is, a brilliant idea. And so what started as a small campaign in New York City became a global phenomenon in dozens of countries. On this international day of giving, individuals, corporations, and foundations support causes far and wide. They give of their time, talent, or treasure in acts of kindness with the intention of doing good during the holiday season. In short, the impact is massive.
When Is Giving Tuesday?
Giving Tuesday happens annually on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. It’s the same week as Cyber Monday. If you’re fundraising or raising awareness for your cause, it’s the perfect time to shift the vibe from spending to doing good. It’s also a great time to use it as a launchpad for the entire year-end season. In other words, speak about the “Giving Tuesday season” to move beyond one day to the whole holiday season. Now, let’s dive into Giving Tuesday ideas!
Giving Tuesday Ideas to Raise Funds (& Spirits!)
1. Launch a Shoe Drive Fundraiser
One of the easiest ideas for Giving Tuesday is a shoe drive fundraiser. First, you don’t spend a dime. Yes, it’s free, and you get everything you need, including marketing, fundraising, and logistics. Second, your supporters, who may feel the squeeze on finances during the holidays, only have to give you gently worn, used and new shoes. Third, the shoe drive movement supports the environment and over 4,000 micro-entrepreneurs in developing nations.
2. Partner With Local Businesses for Giving Tuesday
If you want to build a community for your organization, you need a partnership. So, the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving is an excellent opportunity to consider Giving Tuesday event ideas with local businesses. For instance, you can host a fundraising event in partnership as part of corporate social responsibility efforts. You can also ask businesses to support your annual fundraiser, and in return, you’ll promote them to your supporters.
3. Create a Giving Tuesday (Season) Social Media Challenge
No list of Giving Tuesday ideas can exist without a social media challenge. During Giving Tuesday and for the whole holiday season, ask supporters to share and support your cause. They can post photos and videos and tag you (and three friends). Make it a point to use a hashtag like #GivingTuesday to boost visibility. Remember, a challenge could be about anything! So, have people dance or doodle. The idea is to share your cause.
4. Hosting a Matching Gift Campaign
As we continue with our ideas for Giving Tuesday, do you want to double or even triple a financial donation? If so, then inform your donors and supporters who work at corporations about matching gifts! When these individuals donate and work at a corporation, an employer can match the gift by doubling or even tripling it. All you have to do is ask them in your emails and social media outreach to check in with their employers about matching gifts.
5. Give a Gift That Gives Back
Many people love coffee mugs for a morning cup of java. How about getting your supporters to purchase a branded Giving Tuesday mug for the holiday season, emblazoned with your logo? You can also offer artisan-made items such as crafts, t-shirts, and journals. Remind them that purchasing is a great way to get gifts for their loved ones while supporting your cause during the Giving Tuesday season.
6. Celebrate a “Barefoot Tuesday” During Giving Tuesday Season
If you’re a church or faith-based leader, one of the most creative ideas for Giving Tuesday is a Barefoot Tuesday. Many of our faith-based partners do a Barefoot Sunday. It’s a time to invite supporters to live without something we take for granted—shoes. If you combine Barefoot Tuesday on Giving Tuesday or any Tuesday during the holiday season with a shoe drive fundraiser, donors support your organization and give a hand-up to others worldwide.
7. Host a Virtual Giving Tuesday Event
Hosting a virtual event is one of the best Giving Tuesday event ideas because it allows anyone to attend. Sure, there’s nothing better than hosting in-person events. But costs per dollar raised can sometimes be as high as $0.30 to $0.50. How about hosting an online concert with a youth orchestra, for instance, as part of a joint fundraiser? You can also host a Q&A livestream on topics your supporters want to know about, or even offer a masterclass!
8. Create a “One-Click” Fundraising Campaign
We live in a world of short attention spans, which is why streamlining donation options is one of the smartest Giving Tuesday ideas you can implement. So, what does “one-click” fundraising mean? Simple. It provides your supporters with a direct way to give in the moment. For example, you can share a QR code or text link for giving via mobile and on your site. You can also share it during events and give people a chance to give seamlessly when they’re most engaged!
9. Empower Your Team as Giving Tuesday Heroes
One of the most meaningful Giving Tuesday ideas is to involve your team. They’re your heroes and champions. How can you involve your entire team without asking them for money? One approach is to ask them to lead a shoe drive fundraiser for themselves. You can also ask them to share content in a team content challenge on social media. Make generosity part of your workplace culture, and they’ll help you with all your community efforts.
10. Spotlight a Cause Story
When you capture someone with a story, it’s the first step in converting them to your cause. One of the most powerful things you can do for your Giving Tuesday ideas is simply to feature single stories. Through each of those stories, seek to bring them to life. For instance, highlight a family, donors, and volunteers. It’s important to remember that people don’t give to organizations. They give to people!
Tips for Bringing Your Giving Tuesday Ideas to Life
Are you ready to get your campaign going? Here are quick tips for how to make it a success:
- Start early: Promote your campaign before Giving Tuesday.
- Use storytelling: Highlight impact with authentic visuals and testimonials.
- Leverage email and social media: Plan multiple posts and reminders for each platform.
- Engage your champions: Ask board members, volunteers, and partners to share content.
- Track and thank: Measure your results and celebrate every act of generosity, big or small.
For more guidance, check out Funds2Orgs’ fundraising resources.
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