Nonprofits, community organizers, grassroots groups, and mutual aid networks from all over the world have been using GivingTuesday as a galvanizing moment for their communities since 2012. From amplifying your mission to fundraising, rallying volunteers to building a movement for your cause, there are hundreds of different ways to participate in GivingTuesday.
YearUp used email, social, and video to tell the story of what’s possible when donors give the gift of opportunity. The organization added a personal touchpoint by holding a volunteer-led phone-a-thon. They set a goal of 500 gifts with the incentive of unlocking a $50K challenge gift from a family foundation. At the end of the day, they secured more than 615 gifts, raising $240,000 to advance their mission.
Fenix Youth Project set a goal of $3,000 to fund their homeless + runaway youth outreach program. They ended the day with over $7,000 by leveraging Facebook fundraisers, hosting a Twitter chat, and encouraging their supporters to post why they're involved in the cause using the hashtag #NoLongerInvisibleTuesday.
Share Their Joy
Blankets of Hope partnered with a New Jersey barber to go to Times Square and give free haircuts and blankets to the homeless. "A fresh cut can give someone a fresh start."
Get Inspired
Rather than fundraising for their own organization, the HELP International team decided to fundraise for another organization making a big difference in the refugee crisis. “Often times,
in the world of nonprofits, there is this toxic notion of competition, despite united causes,” said HELP International. “We recognize that it is together, not through division, that we will be able to reach our full potential and meet the needs of the people that need help the most. Together, our impact is stronger.”
Spend the day thanking instead of asking. Set a goal to call, text, or email all of your supporters, vendors, funders, and volunteers to thank them for their support this past year. A little bit of gratitude goes a long way.
The kids growing up on 65th & MLK Drive in Chicago are used to the blue lights of police cars, not the lights of holiday decorations. On GivingTuesday, My Block My Hood My City- a coalition of volunteers from far reaching corners of the city and suburbs- hung lights + holiday decor to interrupt trauma + bring cheer. Volunteers decorated 500 street poles, held a tree lighting ceremony, and hosted holiday activities for residents.
Get Inspired
Our research shows that when organizations set a goal for GivingTuesday they are far more likely to succeed. Setting goals early on gives focus to planning activities that align with the objective of the campaign and how impact will be measured.
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Believing in the fixed pie fallacy hurts the sector and also goes against the principles upon which GivingTuesday was founded: power is for everyone to share and wield together and there’s enough money for every nonprofit to get the support they need.
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We’ve learned a lot in the past eight years of GivingTuesday, and in a year like this, it’s especially helpful to have all that knowledge to lean on. Watch our webinar recording that walks you through how to create a successful GivingTuesday campaign for your nonprofit.
Read MoreDon't forget to connect with your local GivingTuesday community. GivingTuesday Communities offer opportunities like training, matches, prizes, events, and more. You'll also get the opportunity to collaborate with your local community on something big.
Check out these resources for ideas, tactical tips, templates for social media and email, and more to create a successful GivingTuesday activation.
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