Gear Up for #GivingTuesday

Now in its eighth year, Giving Tuesday (this year on December 3, 2019) is the charitable answer to Black Friday or Cyber Monday. It was created by New York’s 92nd Street Y and the U.N. Foundation as a simple idea — a day to encourage people to do good.

It has now grown into a global movement designed to support charities or nonprofits, and celebrates generosity on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. According to The Chronicle of Philanthropy, roughly $380 million for charities from 4 million people was raised in 2018 alone.

Asha Curran, who leads Giving Tuesday at the 92nd Street Y, says one of the main factors that keeps the event growing from year to year is technology. It’s the best way to keep the message alive, and many large retailers have also leveraged technology to make donating even easier, e.g. Amazon allowing people to use Alexa to make donations.

Giving Tuesday isn’t just about monetary donations, though. The organization encourages people to just make someone smile, help a neighbor or stranger, show up for someone you care about or give some of what you have to those who need help. Their main message is that every act of generosity counts and everyone has something to give.

If you’re a nonprofit, small business, brand, school or religious organization, check out the Giving Tuesday website to see how to get involved in the movement.