After a weekend of shopping for holiday gifts, the focus now shifts to Giving Tuesday, a movement that encourages people to celebrate generosity through volunteer work, donations or acts of kindness.
What started in 2012 as a day to encourage people to do good has grown into a worldwide phenomenon inspiring millions of people to give back and reach out in kindness each year.
In 2023, an estimated $3.1 billion was donated in 24 hours in the U.S. alone, while 34 million American adults participated by offering gifts of time, voice, skills, goods and more.
Giving Tuesday is more than just a day of donations; it's an opportunity to create lasting change in the most impactful way. Your contributions can support the causes that matter most to you, while ensuring that resources are utilized efficiently and responsibly for maximum impact.
You can show your generosity in a variety of ways during Giving Tuesday — whether it's helping a neighbor, advocating for an issue, sharing a skill, or giving to causes. Everyone has something to give, and every act of generosity counts.
It's twofold, too. Not only are you supporting those in need, but research shows that giving to others can have psychological and physiological benefits, including potentially increasing lifespan.
Whether you're donating to well-known nonprofits or smaller grassroots causes, thoughtful giving can help maximize the impact of your contributions.
If you plan on donating to a cause online, the Better Business Bureau has several tips so you can give with confidence.
1. Get The Charity's Exact Name
With so many charities in existence, mistaken identity is a common problem. For example, thousands of charities have "cancer" in their name, for example, but no connection with one another.
2. Research The Organization
A charity's mission, program and finances should be available on its website. If not, check for a report at www.give.org.
3. Be Cautious With Emotional Appeals
If an appeal brings tears to your eyes, make sure it is also clear about what the charity intends to do to address the issues. What matters is what the charity is doing to help.
4. Check With State Charity Officials
In many states, charities are required to register, usually with the office of the attorney general, before soliciting.
5. Understand Tax-Exempt Status
Don't assume that every soliciting organization is tax exempt as a charity. To ensure your donation is tax-deductible, you can readily check an organization's status with the IRS.
6. Contribute Directly
To ensure your donation reaches the intended charity, it is best to donate directly through their website. Be cautious about social media messages that claim to provide easy access donation links to a familiar sounding charity name.
Those unsure of where to donate can visit Charity Navigator, which lists more than 1 million U.S. charities.
Some tips to maximize the effectiveness of your donation:
1. Check For Efficiency
Use charity rating websites like Charity Navigator to evaluate how efficiently the organization uses donations. Look for high percentages of funds going directly to programs, rather than administrative costs.
2. Take Advantage Of Matching Gifts
Many organizations partner with corporate sponsors or major donors who will match contributions made on Giving Tuesday. Check if the organization has a matching gift opportunity and contribute during that time.
3. Support Local Causes
Smaller, community-based organizations often receive less attention and fewer donations compared to larger ones. By contributing to a local charity or cause, your donation can have a big impact in the community.
4. Share Your Support
After donating, share your contribution on social media and encourage your friends and family to donate as well. This can help raise awareness and inspire others to take action.