In 2012, two organizations got together and started Giving Tuesday. The spirit was to fall in line with Black Friday, Shop Small Saturday, and CyberMonday. Somewhere in the neighborhood of $116 million was raised for non-profit organizations last year on giving Tuesday.
Like all holiday hoopla, the opportunity to give is not just one day. You often spend many days over the holidays looking for that perfect gift to wrap and put under the tree. You hope it elicits that look that tells you without words “This gift was perfect”. Many of the organizations our friends or us are involved in do not have large development teams or marketing agencies to remind you to click that donate button on Tuesday November 29. That should not stop you.
Many community non-profits have a budget of less than $250,000 and depend on the work of volunteers. Imagine the expression when your friend walks in and someone says, “Your friend made a donation yesterday in your honor”.
Due to the support of your community and volunteers, local organizations get 4 to 6 times the value of every dollar donated. A $10 donation really makes a difference in your local community.
You know your friends. They share stories often of the place they volunteer and support, or the NPR story that kept them in their car, or the great things that are happening at their kid’s school. Let them know you really listen and honor them with a gift to one or a couple community organizations. Whether it is the Food Bank, animal shelter, Church Ministry, Community Clinic, or numerous other types of organizations, your donation makes a difference and honors them for making a difference.
This Holiday Season, “give back”, “give a gift that keeps on giving”, “give more than a gift under the tree”. This Holiday Season, this Tuesday November 29, just remember to give to those that make a difference in OUR community.
To find organizations in your area to support, go to https://www.guidestar.org/search
