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The Tuesday after Thanksgiving has become known worldwide as "Giving Tuesday," a day to pay our gratitude forward by donating to charity. If you'd like to get involved but don't know where to start, catch up with #TRN's quick tips for Tuesday sharing.
1. Consider Supporting a Local Charity on Giving Tuesday
The good news: philanthropy is still deemed a public priority in the U.S., as evidenced by the record-breaking $3.1 billion haul of donations brought in by 2022's national GivingTuesday campaign. The not-so-good news: smaller nonprofits that lack national backing had a more challenging time standing out and, therefore, saw a smaller share of those donations.
Give Where You Live
While there are benefits to supporting major national or international nonprofits with the power to turn pooled resources into large-scale results, local charities often make significant impacts right outside your door. Consider dividing your funds between larger research-based or national organizations and the smaller, local nonprofit organizations that champion the critical causes near you.
2. Verify Your Charity of Choice
It's important to know not only where your funds are going but also that they're getting there securely. Unfortunately, fake charities and scammers often take advantage of generous donors during the holiday season in particular.
Once you've identified the causes that matter most to you, compare organizations to make sure their missions truly align with your values. Then, verify that they use secure payment methods and portals to ensure your data and funds are safe through the donation process.
You can find more information on how to do that here: The Nitty Gritty of Nonprofit Donations: How to Decide Where Your Money Should Go
3. Feeling the Itch to Do More? Give Your Time
If you've found yourself a little short on funds this year or are just looking for ways to do a little more, volunteerism is the way to go. Make no mistake, nonprofit organizations need and appreciate monetary gifts, but time and attention are also invaluable resources.
Give Back and Gain Valuable Work Experience
You can volunteer behind the scenes at special events, or if you're looking for a longer-term investment, you could serve on a Board of Directors or planning committee for a charity. A Board role has the added benefit of helping you gain organizational leadership experience or diversify your professional background.
4. Get the Whole Family Involved
Some of the most cherished family traditions are built around giving back. Gather the kids and take a vote about which causes they'd like to support for the year, or spend a few hours volunteering at a local soup kitchen or animal shelter. Simply paying admission and spending a day at a local museum or non-profit science center can help support their missions; bonus points for hyping it up and tagging them on your social media for a little extra traction.
Giving back, even in small ways, is helpful for maintaining perspective and gratitude, particularly during a season when we're regularly bombarded with consumer messaging. It also reminds us that positive change starts small and starts with us.
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