Wondering how some organizations are embracing the #GivingTuesday movement and getting involved? In this post, Sara Christine Norton, community relations coordinator at Rebuilding Together OKC, explains what they’re doing for #GivingTuesday and how they’re doing it, too.

1. Why did you decide to become a #GivingTuesday partner?

Rebuilding Together OKC decided to become a #GivingTuesday partner because we rely on the donations of individuals and volunteer teams to keep our organization thriving.  As a non-profit, in-kind donations help us fulfill our mission of keeping low income elderly homeowners safe, warm and dry in the Oklahoma City metro.  The #GivingTuesday campaign supports our desire to brings volunteers and communities together to improve the homes and lives of our neighbors.

2. What are you planning for #GivingTuesday?

For #GivingTuesday, Rebuilding Together OKC will be collecting weatherization materials, such as weather stripping, door sweeps and sealants.  These items will be distributed free of charge to our low-income elderly clients in effort to keep their homes warm and energy efficient this winter.  Though weatherization supplies may seem inexpensive to some, our clients are forced to choose between groceries and these materials that would make a huge difference in their lives this winter.  For examples of which materials we are collected, visit our Pinterest board at http://pinterest.com/rebuild2gthrokc/our-weatherization-products/

3. What are you doing to get your community involved?

To get the community involved in this initiative, Rebuilding Together OKC is publicizing #GivingTuesday on our website and social media (Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest).  We have featured #GivingTuesday in our monthly newsletter, which is distributed to approximately 4,500 individuals and businesses.  In addition, Rebuilding Together’s Youth Board has and will continue to promote our #GivingTogether platform and will also collect weatherization materials throughout the community.

Want to connect even more with the #GivingTuesday community? Check out our awesome online social community! Share, connect, earn points!

Wondering how some organizations are embracing the #GivingTuesday movement and getting involved? In this post, Dylan Kurlansky, north east region development coordinator at AFMDA, explains what they’re doing for #GivingTuesday and how they’re doing it, too.

1. Why did AFMDA decide to become a #GivingTuesday partner?

#GivingTuesday is a fantastic initiative and is fully in the spirit of what is at the core of Magen David Adom. MDA paramedics give of themselves to save lives, often at great personal risk. #GivingTuesday embodies that same selfless charitable ideal and provides a great opportunity for those who can’t be in Israel with MDA’s paramedics to support their lifesaving work. We are honored to be featured amongst the many worthy causes partnering with this endeavor.

2. What is AFMDA planning for #GivingTuesday?

#GivingTuesday will mark the launch of our Virtual Blood Drive:

Israel needs blood donations. MDA is responsible for 95% of Israel’s civilian blood needs and 100% of the IDF’s blood needs. This is an enormous responsibility even in the most peaceful times. The events of the past few days have only made this even more important.

If you can’t get to Israel to donate blood, this is the next best thing. Every virtual unit of blood donated will help fund the collection and processing of real blood units donated to MDA’s National Blood Services Center. Blood = Life. Give today.

3. What are you doing to get your [customers/fans/members] involved?

We will have a Twitter, Facebook, and e-mail campaign in order to spread awareness of the initiative in addition to the launch event and other events along the way.

Want to connect even more with the #GivingTuesday community? Check out our awesome online social community! Share, connect, earn points!

National Philanthropy Day® (NPD), Nov. 15, is the special day set aside to recognize and pay tribute to the great contributions that philanthropy – and those people active in the philanthropic community – have made to our lives, our communities and our world.

The amazing thing about philanthropy is that there is no law or requirement that makes us give, but we do! Philanthropy is something that is in our blood as Americans and is part of why we can sing that we are proud of our country. Race, ethnicity, class, wealth, upbringing or any other factor do not alter the human reality that everyone agrees on the importance of working together to improve the quality of life in our communities around the world. Everyone has been touched by the work of fundraising and philanthropy. And at the core of our being, everyone wants to be a philanthropist.

People can commit their money and time in countless ways. But for volunteers and donors, philanthropy is not just a consumer choice. It is a statement about themselves and what they want their society to look like. When we make the choice to give, our nation becomes better – our world becomes better. As a society, we become more united. We become a community.

Celebrating NPD today is a big thing for all of us. It is the perfect complement to #GivingTuesday preparing and inspiring people everywhere to remember just how important giving is.

As an overview of all that is happening on NPD, there will be more than 100 events all over the world, and more than 50,000 people participating in the many awards ceremonies, galas, luncheons, seminars, charitable fundraising and other activities.

On NPD, all the different walks of life are brought together, from the small but philanthropicly minded buisnesses to young people, to large corporations and foundations. Outstanding individuals and organizations are recognized for their extraordinary efforts on the local, and the most extraordinary honorees are recognized on the international level with AFP’s Awards for Philanthropy.

When NPD was first celebrated in 1986, President Ronald Reagan signed a proclamation officially recognizing Nov. 15, 1986, as National Philanthropy Day®. Since then, the day has been recognized by numerous state, provincial and local governments across North America. Canada became the first country in the world to recognize NPD permanently in 2012 and will celebrate nationwide on Nov. 15 every year.

National Philanthropy Day® reminds us of what we can achieve and what lies ahead in the future. Even as we celebrate our philanthropic achievements, we also celebrate the promise of tomorrow. In 1960, overall giving didn’t even exceed $10 billion. But through the years, we worked together, created awareness and set the stage for the extraordinary giving levels of today that annually exceed $300 billion and lead to such incredible impact.

There has never been a time when the commitment of all of us—our entire community—has been more critical. Individually, each of us is a change-agent. Collectively, we’re a movement for change. Together we can ensure impact, we can move forward certain that the needs of our communities can be met, that our communities can grow.

The National Philanthropy Day® Challenge

People want change, and they want to be PART of that change. They want to be part of something bigger than themselves. They want a philanthropic experience that isn’t just writing a check, but to be engaged in something that is meaningful in their daily life.

Donors: Think proactive and long-term about your giving priorities. Determine what causes are most important to you. Don’t respond to a solicitation simply because. Because the more you’re invested in a cause, the more it will mean to you. The more you’ll want to continue to help long-term, and the more inspired you’ll be about the change you’re creating.

Charities: Focus on the impact of what you do, and make sure donors understand how you’re making a difference. Even in tough economic times, committed donors still give. People stop giving because they don’t believe our organizations are making the impact necessary. We need to make every effort to let donors engage how they want with our organizations and show them how they are personally making a difference.

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I know you were just wondering if there is an official NPD Song, and the answer is of course! It was written by famous songwriter Marvin Hamlisch. Download here the sheet music and lyrics. There is also an official NPD video and facebook page!

Want to connect even more with the #GivingTuesday community? Check out our awesome online social community! Share, connect, earn points!

According to Feeding America, there are more than 50 million Americans who are at risk of hunger in our country.  And in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, even more people on the East Coast are suffering without the basic essentials, such as food, water and toiletries.  To help combat this staggering statistic, especially as we enter this holiday season, Unilever, maker of popular brands such as Dove, Hellmann’s, Lipton, Axe, Ben & Jerry’s and Ragu, has pledged to Cross-off Hunger, by donating two million meals to Feeding America while raising awareness of items needed at local food banks and encouraging consumers to help. You can show your support by simply adding Unilever brands to your cart during your next shopping trip. For a full list of brands please, visit http://www.makinglifebetter.com/microsite

But we know this problem is too large to be solved by any individual corporation, foundation or person, which is why we are joining forces with Feeding America, the FEED Foundation and Giving Tuesday to help families in need. When people, corporations and non-profit organizations come together, we’re #BetterTogether, and can make an even bigger impact.

Unilever has partnered with these organizations to raise awareness about hunger in our country and encourage consumers, companies and non-profits to join together provide a solution to this growing problem. On Thursday, November 15th, from 12:00pm to 1:00pm ET, we invite you to join us for the #BetterTogether Twitter Party.  Follow the Making Life Better handle – @MakeLifeBetter and use the hashtag #BetterTogether to engage in a conversation focused on hunger in America. We hope to inspire people to take small actions that can add up to a big difference in the world and illustrate the power we have when we come together for a cause.  As a thank you for participating, you will be entered for a chance to win a Unilever Gift Bag filled with food and personal care products AND we will donate 500 meals on behalf of each winner to Feeding America.

To join the Twitter Party, please follow @MakeLifeBetter and use the hashtag #BetterTogether in your tweets during the party. The 15 winners will be randomly selected.

Also, as a Founding Partner of #GivingTuesday, Unilever is galvanizing employees behind its commitment to hunger-relief. On November 27th, to mark #GivingTuesday and in support of Feeding America during the critical holiday season, we will kick off our first-ever, company-wide food bank drive during which more than 30 Unilever locations will work with their local Feeding America food bank to deliver the most needed food and personal care items this holiday season.

Together, our small actions can add up to a big difference in the world. And by joining our Twitter Party, you can help raise awareness on hunger needs in America and learn how easy it is to make a difference.

Want to connect even more with the #GivingTuesday community? Check out our awesome online social community! Share, connect, earn points!

Wondering how some organizations are embracing the #GivingTuesday movement and getting involved? In this post, Anastasia Dellaccio at Dolci Gelati, explains what they’re doing for #GivingTuesday and how they’re doing it, too.

Tis’ the Season to Give Big, Why We Believe in #GivingTuesday

Every year we at Dolci Gelati support the Georgetown Jingle, an annual event and charity created in 2006 by the Four Seasons Hotel and members of the Washington design community to raise critical revenue for the Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, Blood and Marrow Transplantation Program at Georgetown University Hospital. In the past 6 years we have donated our time and gelato for this family holiday event which takes place in December.  This year for #GivingTuesday, we will pre-empt our involvement to not only give more but to also give earlier in order to raise more money and bring more awareness to the cause.

On November 27, we will work with local design company JDS Design to build and decorate a Christmas tree which will go up on #GivingTuesday in the lobby of the Four Seasons Hotel, Washington DC.  This tree will be erected in honor of Georgetown Jingle Patient Ambassador and Osteosarcoma survivor Greg L. and will then be auctioned off to support efforts of the Georgetown Hospital.  As part of the package to be auctioned off, we will also donate a gelato party for 100 people to whoever wins the tree.

As a small business we believe it is our civic duty to give back to the community in any way we can as every little bit makes a difference.  Not everyone can be a platinum sponsor for a large fundraising event like this, but every business or individual can have a role and make an impact.  By participating in #GivingTuesday, we hope to bring more awareness to this local charity which has raised $1.5 million for the hospital in six years.  #GivingTuesday will provide a great platform to highlight this charity that we care about and bring attention to something on a National Scale something that matters to many on a local scale.

This summer, construction will begin on the pediatric bone marrow transplant unit. This unit, in collaboration with Duke University Hospital and NIH, will ensure that families receive the care they need close to home. The suites included in these units were created by three designers with the goal of having unique rooms that would ensure the elements of this space were nurturing and part of the healing process.

Funds from the Jingle will continue to support the pediatric bone marrow transplant program, as well as the Childhood Cancer Survivorship Program and the pediatric palliative care program.

Dolci Gelatiis a Washington, DC based artisan, all natural gelato company that specializes in wholesale distribution, retail and events.

Want to connect even more with the #GivingTuesday community? Check out our awesome online social community! Share, connect, earn points!

Wondering how some organizations are embracing the #GivingTuesday movement and getting involved? In this post, Piper Close, vice president, marketing and public relations for LifeStream, explains what they’re doing for #GivingTuesday and how they’re doing it, too.

1. Why did LifeStream decide to become a #GivingTuesday partner?

The holidays are especially difficult for the blood banking industry.  Donors are consumed with shopping and holiday activities – even our dedicated donors have a difficult time making time to give blood.  This is a great program to inspire people to donate something money can’t buy.

2. What is LifeStream planning for #GivingTuesday?

Social media alerts to our donor base, paid media with radio stations

3. What are you doing to get your participants involved in this initiative?

T-shirt with Giving Tuesday logo and the LifeStream logo and tag line:  Give Hope Give Life Give Blood.

Wondering how some organizations are embracing the #GivingTuesday movement and getting involved? In this post, Rebecca Einstein, marketing associate of Nana Design, explains what they’re doing for #GivingTuesday and how they’re doing it, too.

1. Why did your organization decide to become a #GivingTuesday partner?

Nana Design became a #GivingTuesday partner because we believe that every organization can – and should – make a difference. We are proud to work with clients that improve the world around them and inspire us to give back to our community.

2. What is your organization planning for #GivingTuesday?

Nana Design is planning to flip roles on one of our clients for #GivingTuesday. Instead of providing marketing and graphic design services to help them attract donors and volunteers, we are going to get down and dirty and become the volunteers for the day.

3. What are you doing to get your community involved in this initiative?

Nana Design will promote our nonprofit clients and the amazing work they do via our social media outlets and website. We will also encourage others to pledge their thanks and appreciation to their favorite nonprofit organizations on #GivingTuesday.

Want to connect even more with the #GivingTuesday community? Check out our awesome online social community! Share, connect, earn points!

Wondering how some organizations are embracing the #GivingTuesday movement and getting involved? In this post, Ann Simanis, associate vice president of development for Road Scholar, explains what they’re doing for #GivingTuesday and how they’re doing it, too.

1. Why did Road Scholar decide to become a #GivingTuesday partner?

Road Scholar is honored to be a part of this historic movement to channel the giving spirit of the Holiday Season into a day of community action. As an education organization dedicated to inspiring older adults, Road Scholar has joined this effort to spread awareness and encourage action for people of all ages.

2. What is Road Scholar planning for #GivingTuesday?

We will be inspiring older adults to enroll in a service learning program or one of our 6,500 other learning adventures and make a donation to support lifelong learning.  Road Scholar educational adventures are created by Elderhostel, Inc., the not-for-profit world leader in lifelong learning since 1975. Our educational travel programs engage expert instructors, provide extraordinary access, and stimulate discourse and friendship among people for whom learning is the journey of a lifetime. Road Scholar Service Learning programs offer special opportunities to lend a helping hand as you experience fascinating aspects of local life in locations throughout the United States or around the world. From tutoring schoolchildren or helping restore a crucial forest habitat for wildlife, to assisting with artifact restoration and museum curatorial work, Road Scholar Service Learning programs are an opportunity to make a difference in the world.

3. What are you doing to get your participants involved in this initiative?

We will be promoting #GivingTuesday and our Service Learning program options via all of our social media outlets leading up to the November 27th launch:
• A series of Facebook posts will encourage our 11,000 friends to share their #GivingTuesday plans.
• A series of Tweets will encourage Service Learning action; donations to support lifelong learning; and participation in #GivingTuesday
• We will feature our Service Learning programs on our homepage, YouTube channel, Pinterest and our own social media discussion board that with 17,000 members

Want to connect even more with the #GivingTuesday community? Check out our awesome online social community! Share, connect, earn points!

Wondering how some organizations are embracing the #GivingTuesday movement and getting involved? In this post, Amy Zacaroli, director of 25:40, explains what they’re doing for #GivingTuesday and how they’re doing it, too.

1. Why did your organization decide to become a #GivingTuesday partner?

25:40 is so excited about GivingTuesday because it gives us a chance to launch a very significant campaign called Give125. Give125 is a movement to educate the very blessed about people living in poverty around the world. The World Bank has set $1.25 as the level of daily income at which people are officially in poverty. Give125 will encourage people to Give $1.25 per day/week/month/year (whatever they commit to) to help lift a child out of poverty.

2. What is your organization planning for #GivingTuesday?

25:40 is a U.S.-based non-profit dedicated to empowering rural communities in South Africa to help orphans survive AIDS, poverty and violence. We do this through pre-school and after-school care programs in the rural Eastern Cape of South Africa. Our programs offer orphans academic support; health monitoring and nutrition; emotional counseling; skills training; advocacy; and spiritual guidance. 25:40’s program costs just a little more than $1.25/per day per child. If we spent any more, we would be doing the community a disservice because we would not be in the business of training and empowering, simply “giving fish.”

3. What are you doing to get your community involved in this initiative?

On GivingTuesday, we will have a special Give125 widget as our donate button on the 25:40 website (www.2540.org). We also hope to have a separate Give125 website up and running by GivingTuesday. In the meantime, we are tweeting and posting on FB the GivingTuesday messages provided in the tool kit.

We would like to get our  followers more active in the discussion so that they are ready for GivingTuesday and already have a plan about what they will do/give back in whatever fashion moves them. We also want Give125 to become a far and wide movement.

We’re excited about the launch of our brand new #GivingTuesday social community — a place for you to connect with other #GivingTuesday ambassadors, share the #GivingTuesday message and earn points for doing that!

How do you get involved? It’s easy:

Sign up at Community.givingtuesday.org

Share the site’s url and the great things you find there.

Submit your own content about #givingtuesday and giving back.

When your submission is approved, it will be published and will increase your rank in the community! You will earn points and help make sure that the 27th of November kicks off the best giving season ever.

Check it out now!