Giving Tuesday

What is Giving Tuesday?

Giving Tuesday stands as a powerful global movement that encourages people to give back and support causes they care about. Created as a counterbalance to the consumer-focused Black Friday and Cyber Monday, this day has transformed into a worldwide phenomenon that celebrates generosity in all its forms. This special day occurs on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving in the United States, serving as a meaningful reminder of the importance of charity during the holiday season.

The upcoming dates for this global day of giving are December 2, 2025, December 1, 2026, November 30, 2027, and November 28, 2028. As the holiday shopping season kicks into high gear, this movement invites us to pause and consider those less fortunate, channeling the spirit of the season toward meaningful impact rather than material consumption.

The History and Growth of Giving Tuesday

Origins of a Global Movement

This day of giving was established in 2012 by Henry Timms at the 92nd Street Y, a cultural and community center in New York City. The inaugural celebration took place on November 27, 2012, with the initial announcement made just one month prior by Mashable, one of the founding partners of the initiative.

What began as a simple idea has blossomed into a powerful global movement. The concept of give back Tuesday quickly gained traction, with major media outlets like The Huffington Post and ABC News spreading awareness about this day of generosity. Tech giants including Google, Facebook, Microsoft, and Skype soon lent their support, significantly amplifying the movement’s reach and impact.

Remarkable Growth and Impact

The growth of this global generosity movement has been nothing short of remarkable:

In 2022 alone, approximately 35 million Americans—representing 13% of the adult population—participated in these charitable activities, demonstrating the movement’s widespread adoption and impact.

Why Giving Tuesday Matters

In a world increasingly defined by consumerism, Giving Tuesday offers a meaningful alternative. While Black Friday and Cyber Monday focus on purchasing products at discounted prices, gifting Tuesday emphasizes the importance of giving back to communities and causes in need.

The timing of this global day of giving is particularly significant, as it occurs during a season when:

• Many families struggle with food insecurity and financial hardship
• Weather conditions in many regions become more challenging for vulnerable populations
• The contrast between those who have and those who don’t becomes more pronounced
• People are generally more reflective about what truly matters in life

This global day serves as a powerful reminder that the holiday season isn’t just about receiving—it’s about giving. It creates a dedicated moment for collective generosity that transcends geographical boundaries, cultural differences, and socioeconomic status.

Building Community Through Generosity

At its core, this charitable movement is about community. It unites people of diverse backgrounds from around the world in doing something good for others. Whether through volunteering, donating to charity, or simply lifting each other’s spirits, the initiative creates a sense of shared purpose and connection.

How to Participate in Giving Tuesday

Donation Opportunities

One of the most direct ways to participate in this global day of giving is through financial contributions. Here are some approaches to consider:

• One-time donations: Even small amounts can make a significant difference when combined with others’ contributions
• Recurring donations: Setting up monthly giving provides charities with sustainable support
• Matching gift programs: Many employers match employee donations, effectively doubling your impact
• Donor-advised funds: These allow for tax-efficient charitable giving with the flexibility to recommend grants to multiple organizations

When considering where to direct your financial support for Giving Tuesday 2025, research organizations whose missions align with your values and that demonstrate transparency in how funds are used.

Beyond Financial Contributions

While monetary donations are valuable, this movement embraces all forms of generosity:

• Volunteer your time: Many organizations need hands-on help, especially during the holiday season
• Donate goods: Gently used clothing, toys, household items, and non-perishable food can make a tremendous difference
• Share your skills: Offer professional services like graphic design, accounting, or legal counsel to nonprofits
• Advocate: Raise awareness about important causes through conversations and social media

Planning for Giving Tuesday 2025 and Beyond

With Giving Tuesday 2025 approaching on December 2, now is the perfect time to start planning your participation. Here are some steps to consider:

1. Research causes: Identify issues that resonate with your values and find reputable organizations addressing them
2. Set a giving budget: Determine how much you can comfortably donate
3. Explore volunteer opportunities: Many organizations need additional help during the holiday season
4. Create a calendar reminder: Mark December 2, 2025 on your calendar for the upcoming day of giving
5. Consider a giving strategy: Whether it’s a one-time donation or a recurring contribution, having a plan increases your impact

Looking further ahead, Giving Tuesday 2026 will fall on December 1, providing another opportunity to participate in this global day of generosity.

Important Upcoming Dates

Mark your calendars for these future dates of this global generosity movement:

• Giving Tuesday 2025: Tuesday, December 2, 2025
• Giving Tuesday 2026: Tuesday, December 1, 2026
• Giving Tuesday 2027: Tuesday, November 30, 2027
• Giving Tuesday 2028: Tuesday, November 28, 2028

Innovative Ways to Maximize Your Impact

Leveraging Social Media

The digital landscape offers powerful tools to amplify your participation in this global day of giving:

• Use the hashtag #GivingTuesday to join the global conversation
• Share your giving story to inspire others
• Participate in social media challenges related to the movement
• Create fundraisers on platforms like Facebook or Instagram

The #unselfie campaign launched in 2015 exemplifies creative social media engagement for this day of generosity. Participants posted selfies with their faces covered by paper featuring messages about causes they supported, promoting hashtag activism while shifting focus from self to service.

Collaborative Giving

Multiplying your impact through collaboration is another effective strategy:

• Giving circles: Pool resources with friends, family, or colleagues to make a larger collective donation
• Community fundraisers: Organize events where proceeds go to selected charities
• Workplace giving: Encourage your employer to match donations or organize company-wide volunteer activities
• Family traditions: Create meaningful giving rituals that involve all family members, including children

Measuring the Impact of Giving Tuesday

The true value of this global generosity movement extends far beyond the dollars raised. The initiative creates ripple effects that benefit:

Nonprofit Organizations

• Increased awareness of their mission and work
• Expanded donor and volunteer bases
• Greater financial resources for program implementation
• Enhanced visibility through social media and press coverage

Communities

• Strengthened social connections
• Increased civic engagement
• More resources directed toward local needs
• Greater sense of collective responsibility

Individual Participants

• Enhanced well-being through the psychological benefits of giving
• Stronger connection to causes and communities
• Development of a giving mindset that extends beyond a single day
• Opportunity to model generosity for the next generation

Preparing for Giving Tuesday 2025

As the 2025 day of global giving approaches, organizations and individuals alike can take steps to maximize their participation:

For Organizations

1. Develop compelling storytelling about your impact
2. Create clear calls to action for potential donors
3. Plan social media strategy well in advance
4. Consider partnerships with businesses or other nonprofits
5. Train staff and volunteers on effective engagement

For Individuals

1. Research organizations aligned with your values
2. Consider setting up recurring donations
3. Explore volunteer opportunities
4. Share information about the upcoming day of giving with your network
5. Involve family members in giving decisions

Giving Tuesday has evolved from a simple idea into a powerful global movement that harnesses collective generosity to transform communities. In contrast to the consumer focus of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, this day reminds us of our capacity to make a difference through giving.

As we look toward Giving Tuesday 2025 on December 2 and Giving Tuesday 2026 on December 1, we have the opportunity to participate in something larger than ourselves—a global celebration of generosity that transcends boundaries and brings people together in common purpose.

By giving our time, resources, skills, or voices, we contribute to building a more compassionate and connected world. Whether through large donations or small acts of kindness, every contribution matters and collectively creates remarkable impact.

To learn more about this global day of giving, visit Giving Tuesday for additional resources and information on how you can participate in this transformative movement.

Remember, generosity isn’t confined to a single day—this annual event simply reminds us of our ongoing opportunity to create positive change in our world through giving.