What is Giving Tuesday?
Established in 2012 through the collaborative efforts of the 92nd St. Y and the United Nations Foundation, Giving Tuesday is a compelling initiative that shifts the holiday season’s focus from consumerism to the joy of giving.
Since its inception, this annual event has evolved into a global movement, inspiring millions to contribute financially, volunteer their time and embody a spirit of generosity. In 2024 alone, Americans donated $3.6 billion on GivingTuesday, demonstrating the extraordinary power of collective generosity during a single 24-hour period.[1] GivingTuesday aspires to foster a world where acts of kindness are central to societal values. The global network collaborates year-round to inspire generosity worldwide, with a mission to establish philanthropy as an everyday part of life.
When is GivingTuesday?
Giving Tuesday, a global day of generosity, is an annual event observed on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. This strategic placement in the holiday calendar positions it as a powerful antidote to the consumer-driven days of Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
In 2026, the impactful day of giving will be December 1, inviting individuals, organizations and communities worldwide to come together in the spirit of giving and make a positive impact. Save the date and join the global movement that is reshaping the holiday season with the gift of giving.
How does GivingTuesday benefit not-for-profits?
GivingTuesday is significant for not-for-profits because it helps kick off the year-end giving season by serving as a catalyst for addressing their priorities.
The widespread recognition and engagement surrounding this global movement enable organizations to connect with a broader audience, fostering an increased understanding of their mission and impact. This is especially important in New York’s complex health care landscape, where coverage gaps leave vulnerable residents without access to essential services at their most critical times of need.
GivingTuesday also serves as a powerful platform for not-for-profits to enhance their social media presence. The widely used #GivingTuesday hashtag becomes a viral phenomenon on platforms such as Facebook and Instagram each year. This online momentum significantly increases the likelihood that not-for-profits will appear in potential donors’ social media feeds. By leveraging the global reach of GivingTuesday, not-for-profits can extend their influence, attract new supporters and make a lasting impact.
How does one participate?
GivingTuesday is free to participate. And who you choose to support and how is entirely up to you! The first step is to identify a cause that moves you. If you already have one in mind, you can visit that organization’s social media or website to see how they participate and make a donation. Many organizations participate by securing donor matches, making your gift have an even greater impact. After you’ve committed yourself to a cause, there are many creative ways to raise funds.
Some ideas include:
- Volunteering. Volunteers make a difference in the lives of the people in their community. Volunteering can also be a great way to build new relationships and advance your career. Contact them to see if they need assistance with an event or special outing.
- Organize a donation drive. This is a great way to rally people. Collecting clothes, food, books and other items can be the focus of a donation drive. However, you should check with the not-for-profit you are collecting goods for before you start to ensure they can use what you’re gathering.
- Initiate a Facebook Fundraiser. One impactful way to leverage the spirit of GivingTuesday is to start a Facebook fundraiser for your cause. This feature lets you create a dedicated Facebook fundraising page to share your cause’s mission, goals, and impact with friends and family.
- Spread the Word on Your Social Media. Whichever way you decide to participate, be sure to spread the word on your social media. Social media is a powerful tool for increasing awareness and encouraging others to participate. Use the #GivingTuesday hashtag to join the global conversation and inspire your network to give.
The possibilities are endless! You can also check out the #GivingTuesday site to see what others have done.
GivingTuesday and MJHS Foundation
Each year on GivingTuesday, we typically direct our support to a vital MJHS Hospice program with the greatest need. Your gift helps sustain services that go beyond what insurance covers—such as extended bereavement support for grieving families, therapeutic art and music programs that bring comfort and connection at the end of life, education and resources for family caregivers and compassionate care for uninsured patients. Together, these gifts ensure that MJHS Hospice can provide dignity, comfort and support when it matters most.
Resources
[1] PBS News. “GivingTuesday Marks One of the Biggest Fundraising Days of the Year.” December 1, 2025.