Black Friday and Cyber Monday get us thinking about what to buy. Giving Tuesday gives us a reason to think about what we can give. Observed on the Tuesday after U.S. Thanksgiving, it’s a global day of generosity that brings people together to support causes they care about and help their communities. In 2026, Giving Tuesday falls on December 1.
When Did Giving Tuesday Start?
Giving Tuesday, officially styled GivingTuesday, began in 2012 at the 92nd Street Y in New York City. The idea was simple: set aside a day that encourages people to do good. What started in New York grew into a global movement, with nonprofits, schools, businesses, and neighborhood groups organizing their own fundraisers, volunteer projects, and community drives. GivingTuesday now operates as an independent nonprofit and works with partners around the world.
What Is the Purpose of Giving Tuesday?
Giving Tuesday puts generosity on the calendar during one of the busiest shopping weeks of the year. For a local nonprofit, it can be a chance to raise money and introduce more people to its work. For individuals and families, it can be a reason to find out what their neighbors need and pitch in. The larger goal is to make generosity a habit that lasts beyond a single day.
How Can You Participate?
You can give money, time, supplies, or a skill you already have. Start with a cause that matters to you and choose something that fits your budget and schedule.
- Donate to a cause you care about. Give directly to a local food pantry, animal rescue, LGBTQ+ youth center, or community arts program. If your employer matches charitable gifts, check whether your donation qualifies.
- Volunteer your time. Sign up to sort food donations, help at a community event, or spend an afternoon cleaning up a neighborhood park.
- Give supplies an organization has asked for. Check its current wish list before shopping. A food pantry might need specific pantry staples, while an animal rescue might be collecting towels or pet food.
- Share a skill. Offer to photograph an adoption event, design a flyer for a fundraiser, or help a small nonprofit update its website.
- Help someone close to home. Pick up groceries for a neighbor, bring a meal to someone going through a difficult week, or call someone who could use some company.
- Spread the word. Share a local fundraiser or volunteer opportunity and tell people why it matters to you. You can use #GivingTuesday to join the wider conversation.
If you’re unsure where to start, pick one organization in your community and ask what would help most right now. You might find a one-time project you can do on December 1 or a place you’d like to return to in January.
What is Giving Tuesday?
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