Giving Tuesday

What the heck is #GivngTuesday?

Why is it all over my email inbox?

And why should a nonprofit particpate?

#GivingTuesday is for nonprofits what Black Friday is for retail and Cyber Monday is for online shops.

The difference is that for #GivingTuesday, you the consumer are donating, not purchasing. You are changing the world, making the world a better place. This is how nonprofits see it.

Nonprofits all over the world participate, many will ask you to donate and others may ask you to volunteer. Others may take the day to simply thank you as a donor.

From a donor perspective, depending on how many nonprofits you are connected with, it can become overwhelming. I will probably get 40+ emails asking me to donate for #GivingTuesday.

From the nonprofit perspective, I totally get if you as a nonprofit want to pass on #GivingTuesday. You’re busy, it’s too big for you, and with as many times as you get asked to give that day, you don’t want to put your donors through that.

And, since you’ve begun reading this, give me just another minute to share some ideas with you.

First, whether you decide to participate in #GivingTuesday or not, take some time to make sure your website is ready for new donors. How easy is it to donate? Is it clear what the impact of the donation is? Is there information on how a donor can connect with you directly?

Next, take a moment or two to review your social media. Is your most recent post on Twitter from last year? Are your Facebook photos up to date?

Now, consider peer-to-peer fundraising, a great way to engage with donors and their friends. #GivingTuesday is a fantastic way to introduce this.

Now consider #GivingTuesday. It could be a great time to share your impact on social media. It could be a great day to just thank your donors. It could also be a good day to have an event that promotes your organization and mission. You can use #GivingTuesday to promote it among supporters and the press.

I love #GivingTuesday because it allows even the smallest of nonprofits a chance to ride on the coat tails of a huge event. Simply using the hashtag #GivingTuesday on that day and the days prior may get you in front of people who don’t know you.

Whether you are a donor or a nonprofit, #GivingTuesday is a great way to participate in philanthropy and making the world a better place.

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Take a risk. Be of service. Support your friends and colleagues. Be kind.