In 2012, a team at the Belfer Center for Innovation & Social Impact at the 92nd Street Y in New York City came up with the idea to set aside a day for generosity during a season otherwise overthrown by consumption.
Once the hashtag #GivingTuesday caught on, it spread like wildfire. Now, over 10 years later, Giving Tuesday has become recognized as a global movement. Participating in a day dedicated to giving back seems only right after celebrating a holiday where you eat non-stop then shop for four straight days, am I right?
According to GivingTuesday.org, the movement allows organizations across the world to take advantage of social media by providing a platform to encourage the donation of time, resources and talents to address local challenges. It brings together the collective power of partners — nonprofits, civic organizations, businesses and corporations — to encourage and amplify small acts of kindness.
Last year, 34 million contributors gave $3.1 billion in the United States alone. Organizations are challenging their consumers to shatter those records this year.
Want to get involved? We compiled a list of 8 simple ways you can give back tomorrow.
Donate
Here are some organizations to consider:
- TWLOHA. During a season where many are faced with brokenness in their families or seasonal depression, that hope is needed more than ever.
Every gift to TWLOHA this giving season helps shift a story from despair to hope.
Make your gift today at https://t.co/o2FajHlBwT. pic.twitter.com/ZRkqJb6x07
— TWLOHA (@TWLOHA) December 1, 2024
- Adaptive Training Foundation. This organization seeks to restore hope through movement to those with traumatic injuries by offering customized training programs to redefine the best version of themselves. They focus heavily on veterans. ATF is committed to keeping their programs 100% free of charge for their applicants.
- World Vision. When you donate to World Vision, you’re giving families the tools to overcome poverty and injustice. That’s because 89% of World Vision’s total operating expenses are used for programs that directly benefit children, families and communities in need.
A reminder to take into your weekend: “It is not how much we give, but how much love we put into giving.” – Mother Teresa 🧡 pic.twitter.com/J6N6NijRMP
— World Vision (@WorldVision) November 30, 2024
- Search for Common Good. Last year, Preemptive Love merged with Search for Common Good to combine their efforts to address the unseen burdens people bear. Through programs, resources and donations, this nonprofit is working around the world to bring peace to those living in the midst of chaos.
- Charity:water. When you donate to charity:water, you give the gift of clean drinking water to people in developing countries across the world. According to their research, $1 million will give 25,000 people access to clean water.
We believe in a world where everyone has clean water to drink, and we will keep on fighting until that happens. Find out how you can help bring clean water to more people at https://t.co/MWLr6AHE0W. pic.twitter.com/JpNutIHa9o
— charity: water (@charitywater) November 13, 2024
Opened your wallet to give and found only crickets? No worries. There are other ways to give.
Give your time
Take the time to volunteer after work. Volunteering offers the chance to give back to your community directly. Visit a homeless shelter or help organize a food pantry. Even organizing a food drive in your office could make a huge difference. You can search for nonprofits in need of your time in your area here.
Give while shopping
It’s easy to spend money while you’re shopping, but sometimes it’s harder to give to charity. You can do both when you use online platforms like GoodShop. With over 7,000 shops to choose from, GoodShop allows you to donate while you shop, plus it also offers a bunch of easy-access coupons to save on whatever you’re looking to buy. That’s a win for your wallet and your favorite charity.
Perform a small act of kindness
You don’t have to spend your evening in a soup kitchen to make a difference today. Do something simple. Purchase the order of the person behind you at Chick-fil-A. Buy someone’s coffee. Hold the door open. Give up your seat on the train. It’s not as difficult as it seems!
All in all, make today about something other than just consumption. It’s easy to get caught up in the motions of spending during the holiday season, but set aside today to make a difference in your community. Even just sharing how you’re giving back by using #GivingTuesday on social media can help spread the movement.
