One of the main questions you can expect from your clients this month is “What is Giving Tuesday? And why am I seeing it written like this: #GivingTuesday?”

Giving Tuesday – or “GivingTuesday” to be more accurate – has become a philanthropic phenomenon of sorts, generating support and enthusiasm from donors and nonprofit organization. Many of your clients are likely reading about GivingTuesday in the media, especially after the Gates Foundation recently announced its $10 million gift to support the effort.

GivingTuesday is a day of generosity, and is celebrated on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving. This year GivingTuesday will be November 29.

Facts about GivingTuesday
  • Started in 2012 at New York’s 92nd Street Y.
  • More than a day, GivingTuesday is a movement and an organization.
  • Though not strictly a fundraiser, money “moved” to nonprofit organizations and other groups has grown from $28 million in 2013 to $2.7 billion in the U.S. in 2021.
  • In the Omaha metro, the local GivingTuesday awareness effort is led by SHARE Omaha and SHARE Iowa. Their fundraising goal for 2022 is $5.5 million for 700+ nonprofits. You can donate on their website.

People typically get involved in GivingTuesday by supporting their favorite nonprofit organizations. Many nonprofits promote #GivingTuesday online and on social media as an important source of funds for their organizations, and they frequently encourage their donors – your clients – to give via cash, check, or online.

Your clients also can participate in GivingTuesday by recommending grants from their funds at the Omaha Community Foundation.

If you or your clients have questions about GivingTuesday, please contact our Donor Services Team at giving@omahafoundation.org or 402-342-3458.