National Day of Giving: A Global Movement of Generosity

Giving Tuesday is a global generosity movement that occurs on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving, encouraging people worldwide to give back through charitable donations, volunteering, and acts of kindness.

Quick Facts

  • When is it: Tuesday after Thanksgiving
  • Tagged as: #GivingTuesday
  • What’s the hashtag: #GivingTuesday
  • When was it founded: 2012
  • Who founded it: Henry Timms at the 92nd Street Y and United Nations Foundation

History

What began as a simple idea to counter the consumerism of Black Friday and Cyber Monday has evolved into a worldwide phenomenon of generosity. The movement started in New York City and has since spread to over 80 countries, inspiring billions in donations annually.

Timeline

  • 2010: The Giving Pledge campaign launches
  • 2012: First Giving Tuesday established
  • 2019: Becomes an independent nonprofit organization
  • 2021: Raised $2.7 billion in the U.S. alone

Dates by Next Year

YearDateDay
2024Dec 3Tuesday
2025Dec 2Tuesday
2026Dec 1Tuesday

Observed

The day is celebrated through charitable donations, volunteer work, community service, and social media campaigns. Organizations worldwide use this day to launch end-of-year fundraising campaigns.

Fun Facts About Giving Tuesday

  • Reaches billions of social media impressions annually
  • Most active participants are aged 18-34
  • Observed in 80 countries worldwide
  • Combines both monetary and time-based giving
  • Represents the largest philanthropic data collaboration ever built

Quiz

  1. When does Giving Tuesday occur?
  2. Who founded the movement?
  3. How many countries participate?
    (Answers: Tuesday after Thanksgiving; Henry Timms; 80 countries)

FAQs

Q: How can I participate?
A: Donate, volunteer, spread awareness, or organize fundraisers

Q: Is it only about monetary donations?
A: No, it includes volunteering, advocacy, and acts of kindness

Importance of Giving Tuesday

The day serves as a powerful reminder of human generosity, creating a global impact through collective giving. It provides nonprofits with a crucial platform for fundraising and awareness while fostering community engagement.

Related

  • Black Friday
  • Cyber Monday
  • Small Business Saturday
  • International Volunteer Day
  • World Kindness Day