What is Giving Tuesday? At its core, Giving Tuesday is a global day of generosity that urges individuals and organizations to give money, time, goods, or voice to causes they care about — and it falls on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving each year.
What it aims to do
Giving Tuesday began as a counterpoint to the consumer-focused days surrounding Thanksgiving. The movement promotes large-scale generosity by encouraging charitable acts and community engagement in every state and across the world.
How it started
The idea launched in 2012 at a New York City nonprofit and quickly spread through social media, partnerships, and community coalitions. Over time, the annual observance grew into a year-round movement that amplifies fundraising, volunteering, advocacy, and civic engagement.
Giving Tuesday by the numbers
In 2024, Americans donated more than $3.6 billion on Giving Tuesday. Participation reached over 36 million people nationwide, representing monetary contributions as well as volunteer hours, goods donations, and community-focused acts of kindness. The movement has generated billions of dollars in total support since its founding and continues to grow each year.
When is Giving Tuesday 2025?
Giving Tuesday in 2025 takes place on December 2, 2025. While the movement encourages generosity throughout the year, this date remains the centerpiece for coordinated campaigns, matching challenges, and national giving drives.
Why the day matters
Giving Tuesday draws widespread attention to charitable needs at a moment when many nonprofits rely on year-end support. The day helps boost one-time donations, long-term donor relationships, and visibility for local organizations that may not typically receive national exposure. It also promotes responsible giving by encouraging donors to choose transparent and impact-driven charities.
How individuals can participate
— Give money: Donate to a trusted nonprofit and consider setting up a recurring contribution.
— Volunteer: Many organizations publish short-term volunteer opportunities connected to Giving Tuesday.
— Donate goods: Food banks, shelters, and community groups run seasonal drives for essential items.
— Share messages: Use your voice on social platforms to amplify verified campaigns or encourage your community to participate.
The movement provides ready-to-use tools and resources that help people get involved easily, from customizable posts to fundraising templates.
Practical tips for safe giving
Before donating, check whether a nonprofit provides clear financial reports, recent impact data, and authentic contact information. Be cautious of unsolicited or urgent appeals. Verify campaigns on official nonprofit channels or reputable charity-evaluation platforms. Many experts recommend directing support toward organizations that demonstrate measurable outcomes and ongoing transparency.
How nonprofits should prepare
Successful campaigns rely on early planning and consistent messaging. Nonprofits often build outreach plans that use email, social media, community partners, and matching-donor challenges. Segmenting audiences — for example, engaging small-dollar donors differently from major supporters — helps organizations tailor their requests. After Giving Tuesday, timely follow-up messages are essential for turning one-day donors into long-term supporters.
READ ALSO – Giving Tuesday 2025: Why This Year’s Day of Generosity Could Be the Biggest Yet
Trends shaping Giving Tuesday now
More young adults are participating each year, frequently through small recurring gifts, volunteer-based initiatives, and peer-to-peer fundraising. Digital platforms continue to drive growth, with online giving remaining one of the fastest-rising participation channels. Many organizations now combine virtual campaigns with in-person events to broaden reach and build community.
What to expect this year (2025)
This year will likely bring expanded options for volunteer involvement, more hybrid events, and greater emphasis on transparency and impact measurement. Many nonprofits plan to use matched-gift incentives to stretch donor dollars. Donors will see clearer reporting and stronger guidance on how their contributions directly support programs and services.
Final checklist for participants
- Mark December 2, 2025 on your calendar.
- Verify organizations before donating.
- Consider setting up recurring gifts or supporting a matching campaign.
- Nonprofits should create early messaging, secure matches, and define clear goals for the day.