What is Giving Tuesday?

Giving Tuesday at MJHS. Two hands holding heart

Established in 2012 through the collaborative efforts of the 92nd St. Y and the United Nations Foundation, Giving Tuesday serves as a compelling initiative to shift 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. Giving Tuesday aspires to foster a world where acts of kindness are central to societal values. Giving Tuesday’s global network collaborates year-round to inspire generosity across the globe, with a mission to establish a culture of philanthropy as an everyday part of life.

In this collective effort, the MJHS Foundation also plays an active role, further contributing to the spirit of giving that defines the essence of Giving Tuesday.

When is Giving Tuesday?

Giving Tuesday, a global day dedicated to generosity, is an annual event observed on the Tuesday following 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 2024, the impactful day of giving falls on December 3, inviting individuals, organizations, and communities worldwide to come together in the spirit of giving and make a positive impact on the world. Save the date and join the global movement that is reshaping the holiday season with the gift of giving.

How does Giving Tuesday benefit not-for-profits like MJHS?

Giving Tuesday holds significant importance for not-for-profits like MJHS Health System, providing a valuable head start on year-end fundraising initiatives. This global day of generosity serves as a catalyst for raising awareness and garnering support from potential donors.

Participating in Giving Tuesday offers not-for-profits a unique opportunity to amplify their visibility. The widespread recognition and engagement surrounding this global movement enable organizations like MJHS to connect with a broader audience, fostering an increased understanding of their mission and impact.

Giving Tuesday also serves as a powerful platform for not-for-profits to enhance their social media presence. The widely used #GivingTuesday hashtag becomes a viral conduit on platforms such as Facebook, and Instagram each year. This online momentum significantly heightens the chances of not-for-profits, including MJHS, appearing in the social media feeds of potential donors. By leveraging the global reach of Giving Tuesday, not-for-profits can extend their influence, attract new supporters, and make a lasting impact on their cause.

How does one participate?

GivingTuesday is free to participate. And who you choose to support and how is entirely up to you! The first thing that you need to do is find a cause that moves you. If you already have one in mind, you can visit that company’s social media or website to see how they participate. Many organizations participate by getting a donor match, making your gift have a more significant 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 make new friends and further your career. Contact them and see if they need a helping hand at 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 ordering goods for before you start.
  • Initiate a Facebook Fundraiser. One impactful way to leverage the spirit of Giving Tuesday is by starting a Facebook fundraiser dedicated to your specific cause. This feature allows you to create a dedicated fundraising page within the Facebook platform, where you can share the mission, goals, and impact of your cause with friends and family. Get started on a Facebook Fundraiser.
  • The possibilities are endless! You can also check out the #GivingTuesday site to see what others have done. 

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.