What is Giving Tuesday?
It’s the Tuesday after Thanksgiving—and it’s not about leftovers. It’s a global day to give back. Think: donations, volunteering, kindness bombs.
Started in 2012 by NYC’s 92nd Street Y and the UN Foundation, it’s now a worldwide generosity party powered by hashtags, heart, and hustle.
Fun Fact: In 2023, folks in the U.S. gave $3.1 billion in one day. Yup, billion. Across 80+ countries, people showed up and gave big.
Online giving? It explodes on platforms like PayPal, GoFundMe, and nonprofit sites. Giving Tuesday is kind of a big deal.
Let’s make generosity loud. You in?
Here’s what you need to know about Giving Tuesday:
No signup needed: Just jump in! Use the logo, the hashtags—no paperwork or secret handshakes.
Everyone’s invited: Nonprofits, businesses, solo do-gooders, friend groups—anyone can join. You don’t need to be a 501(c). Just bring the good vibes.
Do it your way: Big budget or tiny pocket change? Doesn’t matter. $5, a tweet, or a whole campaign—all of it counts.
It’s global: Happening in 80+ countries! Support local needs or plug into global causes like education, climate action, or health.
Why is Giving Tuesday important?
Fueling a culture of generosity
Giving Tuesday flips the script on the shopping frenzy. Instead of grabbing deals, people give. Time. Money. Kindness. All of it counts.
It’s a moment to pause and ask: What do I care about? Then act on it. Small acts add up and together, we spark something big.
A big day for nonprofits
For nonprofits, this day is a game-changer. It’s one of the biggest fundraising boosts of the year. A lot of them count on it to keep programs running, especially with so many donations landing in December.
It’s not just about dollars. It’s about building real connections. Finding new supporters. Re-engaging old ones. Laying the foundation for long-term impact.
Spotlight on the causes that matter
Giving Tuesday doesn’t whisper, it broadcasts. With hashtags flying and stories flooding social feeds, it puts everything from local food drives to global climate action front and center.
As people share why they give, others get inspired. That spark travels fast. And wide.
The power of all of us
This isn’t a solo act. It’s a full-on, all-hands effort. In 2023, over 34 million adults in the U.S. showed up and raised $3.1 billion. That’s serious people power.
It brings folks together—nonprofits, businesses, neighbors, even governments. Think matching gifts. Team fundraisers. Community campaigns. When we move together, we move the needle.
Generosity isn’t just nice. It’s powerful.
Is Giving Tuesday only about raising money?
While most Giving Tuesday campaigns are based on monetary donations, many others focus on volunteering or sharing valuable resources. Some legal organizations, for example, donate pro bono services to those who do not have the means to fund their own legal representation. Some communities run local food drives. In short, there are infinite ways to give, and Giving Tuesday celebrates them all.
Is Giving Tuesday the biggest fundraising day of the year?
Is Giving Tuesday the biggest fundraising day? Not quite but it’s close.
Let’s clear this up: Giving Tuesday is a huge day for fundraising, especially online. But for most nonprofits, it’s not the #1 day for total donations.
That title usually goes to December 31. Why? Simple: tax deadlines. Donors race to get those year-end gifts in, and the final days of December, especially the 31st, see major spikes in giving.
Here’s how it stacks up:
Year-End giving packs a punch
- December 31 is typically the biggest giving day of the year.
- December 30 and 29 also see high traffic as donors wrap up their year.
- Roughly 30% of all annual giving happens in December alone (yep, you read that right).
Crisis campaigns can beat it too
- Urgent causes (natural disasters or emergencies) can spark massive giving days.
- Example: #GivingTuesdayNow in 2020 global support rallied during the early days of COVID-19 and topped regular Giving Tuesday numbers for many groups.
So why does Giving Tuesday still matter?
Because it’s a spark plug.
Giving Tuesday brings unmatched visibility, momentum, and energy to the year-end giving season. It rallies people around generosity. It helps nonprofits reach new donors, boost smaller campaigns, and start conversations that keep going into December.
It’s one of the most important fundraising days, especially for online donations, grassroots giving, and public engagement, even if it doesn’t always take the top revenue spot.
So no, it’s not always the biggest. But it sure is one of the boldest.
When is Giving Tuesday?
Giving Tuesday always lands on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving in the U.S. That means it falls somewhere between November 27 and December 3, depending on the year. It’s five days after Thanksgiving so mark your calendar!
Want to plan ahead? Here’s a quick look at the upcoming dates based on the Thanksgiving schedule.
Upcoming Giving Tuesday dates
| Year | Date of Giving Tuesday |
| 2025 | December 2, 2025 |
| 2026 | December 1, 2026 |
| 2027 | November 30, 2027 |
| 2028 | November 28, 2028 |
| 2029 | December 4, 2029 |
For confirmation of future dates beyond 2026, you can check resources like www.GivingTuesday.org, as dates may vary slightly based on calendar adjustments.
How long does Giving Tuesday last?
One day. All day. Midnight to 11:59 PM local time.
That’s the official window. Just 24 hours of full-on giving, kindness, and community action. It’s a single-day global event that moves fast but makes a big impact.
But here’s the twist
Because of global time zones, Giving Tuesday actually rolls out over 48 hours worldwide. While one country is winding down, another is just getting started. It’s like a relay race for generosity.
Also worth noting:
Some nonprofits stretch the moment. You’ll see “Giving Tuesday Week” campaigns or early-bird match offers popping up before and after the big day. These help build momentum but the heart of the movement is still that one powerful Tuesday.
Why do nonprofits participate in this global day of giving?
Let’s talk impact.
In 2023, Giving Tuesday raised $3.1 billion in the U.S. alone. That’s up slightly from 2022, even with economic headwinds.
Globally? Huge lifts in places like Canada, Brazil, India, and the UK. Platforms like PayPal and GoFundMe processed millions in donations. The day moves money and fast.
Launchpad for year-end giving
Giving Tuesday isn’t just a big day. It’s the starting line for the biggest giving stretch of the year. December is when donors dig deep, and this day sets the tone.
Nonprofits know it, too. That’s why many launch matching gift campaigns or limited-time appeals, turning one donation into two or three. Momentum builds here.
Fresh, creative, global fundraising
This movement isn’t stuck in the past.
Organizations get creative – think crowdfunding, virtual events, peer-to-peer campaigns. It’s all about making giving easy, personal, and global.
A megaphone for causes
Giving Tuesday doesn’t just raise money. It raises voices.
- Social reach: In 2023, the hashtag #GivingTuesday lit up social media with 2 billion+ impressions. From food security to gender equality, causes got airtime—and attention.
- Real stories: Nonprofits tell it like it is. One post. One video. One story about how $50 feeds a family, and people get it.
- Global vibes: 80+ countries join in, each putting their local spin on the day. From #GivingTuesdayIndia to #UnDiaParaDar in Latin America, campaigns speak the local language and meet real needs.
Everyone’s in
Giving Tuesday isn’t a niche event. It’s everyone’s day to give.
- Individuals: Gen Z, Millennials; younger donors are showing up strong. In 2023, 60% of U.S. donors under 40 gave on Giving Tuesday.
- Businesses: From tech giants like Microsoft and Google to small local shops, companies step up with matches, volunteer hours, and donated goods.
- Communities: Schools, churches, libraries; folks organize food drives, fundraisers, and more. Giving gets local and powerful.
Ready for anything
The world throws curveballs. Giving Tuesday swings back.
In 2020, #GivingTuesdayNow popped up in May to support COVID-19 relief, raising serious funds fast. This movement is nimble and built for the moment.
It also tackles the long game: inequality, climate change, systemic challenges. By spotlighting organizations doing that work, Giving Tuesday keeps people engaged long after the day ends.
It’s not just about one day. It’s about what that day kicks off. Giving Tuesday is loud, generous, flexible and growing.
How can my nonprofit organization participate in Giving Tuesday?
- Start Planning Early (September–October)
- Secure matching gift partners (e.g., local businesses or donors) to double donations
- Focus on a clear message (e.g., “$25 feeds a family for a week”) with emotional visuals or stories.
- Use a user-friendly donation platform
Tip: Start with a basic crowdfunding page if new to Giving Tuesday
- Announce your campaign 4–6 weeks out via email and social media
- Encourage board members, volunteers, or donors to share your campaign or start peer-to-peer fundraisers.
- Promote matches on December 2 (e.g., “Your $50 gift becomes $100 today!”)
- Go live at midnight with posts, emails, or live updates
- Thank donors within 48 hours via email or social media, sharing impact
- Use Giving Tuesday to launch year-end giving, as 30% of donations occur in December
How do I register my organization to take part in Giving Tuesday?
No red tape. No gatekeeping. Just give.
You don’t need to register to be part of Giving Tuesday.
No forms. No fees. No approvals.
This is an open-source movement—wide open to everyone. Whether you’re a registered nonprofit, a community group, or just a few neighbors with a cause—you’re in.
Here’s how to jump in:
- Plan your campaign your way.
- Use the #GivingTuesday hashtag and logo to show you are part of the global crew.
- Want to go a step further? Customize the logo to match your mission. Yep, it’s allowed.
Need tools? Ideas? Free stuff?
Sign up for the GivingTuesday Nonprofit Newsletter at www.GivingTuesday.org. You’ll get toolkits, templates, and tips straight to your inbox. It’s the closest thing to “registering”—and super helpful.
Is Giving Tuesday only for nonprofits?
Who can be part of Giving Tuesday?
Short answer: everyone.
Nonprofits
The usual power players. Think 501(c)s raising funds, recruiting volunteers, and sharing their mission with the world. Giving Tuesday is made for this.
Community & Grassroots Groups
No nonprofit status? No problem.
Neighborhood groups, clubs, mutual aid collectives. Organize a fundraiser, plan a cleanup, or just get the word out.
Businesses
Yes, companies jump in too.
From Microsoft to your local coffee shop, businesses match gifts, donate products, or let their teams volunteer. Doing good = good business.
Schools
PTAs, kindergartens, college campuses, schools bring energy! Expect bake sales, student-led service projects, and creative campaigns to support classroom causes.
Faith-Based Organizations
Churches, synagogues, mosques, temples – faith communities give big. They organize donation drives, service projects, and outreach aligned with their values.
Individuals
You don’t need a group to make an impact.
Donate. Volunteer. Share a cause. Help a neighbor. Kindness counts. Even a single social post with #GivingTuesday can spark something.
Civic + Government Groups
City councils, libraries, public agencies – they get involved, too. Hosting food drives, promoting local campaigns, or rallying residents to give back.
No matter who you are or what you’ve got to give—Giving Tuesday is yours.
It’s one day, for everyone, to show up and do good!
How do I participate in Giving Tuesday?
Whether you’re flying solo, repping a nonprofit, running a business, or leading a school or faith group, there’s a way for you to make a difference.
1. For Individuals
Ready to give? Here’s how to go big (or small, it all counts):
Give money
- Pick a cause that hits home. Local shelter? Climate nonprofit? Global relief?
- Donate on December 2, through their site or use fundraising platforms.
- Tip: Watch for matching gifts where your donation gets doubled (yep, double impact).
Give time
- Volunteer at a food bank, shelter, or local event. Check www.GivingTuesday.org for listings.
- More of a couch giver? Help virtually! Write thank-you notes, manage a nonprofit’s social posts, or host an online fundraiser.
2. For Nonprofits
Giving Tuesday is your moment. Let’s get you campaign-ready:
Plan your campaign
- Set a goal: $5,000? 50 volunteers? Pick something clear.
- Grab the free toolkit at www.GivingTuesday.org. It’s loaded with templates and social media assets.
- Craft a powerful message, something real: “Just $25 gives a child school supplies for a year.”
- Real talk: Fenix Youth Project raised $7,000 with a Facebook fundraiser and a Twitter chat.
Start early
- Mid-October is go time. Start teasing your campaign via email, socials, and your site.
- Use #GivingTuesday + your own hashtag (like #SaveTheStraysGivingTuesday) to build buzz.
Make giving easy
- Test your donation page, especially on mobile. Tools like RallyUp help.
- Link up with a business for matching gifts or promo support.
3. For Businesses
Want to build goodwill and give back? Here’s your playbook:
Give back
- Donate a slice of your sales. Match employee gifts. Or give products/services to a nonprofit partner.
Example: A retailer donates $1 for every sale that day – simple and effective.
Get your team involved
- Offer paid volunteer time or match what your staff gives.
- Shout it out! Share your efforts on socials using #GivingTuesday. Tag your nonprofit partners and show your values in action.
Customer engagement ideas
- Let customers round up at checkout or add a small donation to their order.
- Host a fun event – think charity auction, food drive, or pop-up fundraiser.
- Look at PayPal: They process millions in Giving Tuesday donations, helping nonprofits crush their goals.
4. For schools, faith groups & community orgs
Your group has heart; Giving Tuesday is your time to show it.
Run a fundraiser
- Crowdfunding, bake sales, clothing drives, it all works.
- Not a formal nonprofit? No problem. Use tools like GoFundMe to keep it simple.
Example: Schools often do “Kindness Days” where students lead donations or service projects. Big impact, big smiles.
Raise awareness
- Share your Giving Tuesday story using #GivingTuesday and your city’s tag (like #GivingTuesdayNYC).
- Make your own campaign hashtag to rally your crew.
- Use events or social media to teach your community why your cause matters.
Whatever your role, whatever your size, you’re invited to give.
Are donations matched on Giving Tuesday?
Short answer? Yes – often. But it depends on who’s running the show. Nonprofits, businesses, and platforms each play a part.
So, what’s a matching gift anyway?
It’s a donation boost. Someone, maybe a business, big donor, or foundation, promises to match what you give, usually up to a set amount or during a certain timeframe.
Example: You give $50. A match kicks in. Now your impact? $100.
Why it’s a big deal on Giving Tuesday
Matching gifts are everywhere on Giving Tuesday. Why? Because this is one of the biggest giving days of the year and matches get people fired up to give more.
- Nonprofits team up with businesses, board members, or major donors to offer matches.
- Hashtags like #GivingTuesday get attention, so timing a match = smart move.
- The Canadian Cancer Society even extended matching past midnight into December 3.
Who’s offering matches?
A lot of players step up. Here’s the breakdown:
- Businesses – Think Microsoft, Google, or even your local coffee shop. Many match employee or customer donations. PayPal, for example, runs matching on its giving platform.
- Major Donors – Wealthy individuals or foundations might say: “We’ll match every gift up to $10,000.”
- Nonprofits – Some line up challenge grants in advance. Like YearUp, which unlocked a $50K match after hitting 500 gifts.
- Platforms – Sites like GoFundMe or Facebook sometimes match donations to specific campaigns. Just note—it can vary year to year.
Real wins
- Fenix Youth Project beat their $3,000 goal and raised $7,000+ thanks in part to matching gifts.
- Corporate Boosts – Big names like the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation have matched donations to select nonprofits, doubling small gifts into something mighty.
A few quick notes before you hit “donate”
- Not all campaigns offer matching. It depends on resources and partnerships.
- Matches usually have limits like “up to $5,000” or “only valid on Dec 2.” Timing matters.
- Check the details. Some matches only apply to new donors or specific programs. Always scan the fine print.
- Good news: Even matched gifts still count toward tax deductions in the U.S.
Verdict?
If you see a match, jump on it fast. It’s one of the easiest ways to double your impact with just one click.
Who’s matching donations on Giving Tuesday?
1. Big-hearted individuals (a.k.a. major donors & philanthropists)
These are the generous folks with deep pockets and big passions.
- What They Do: They say, “Hey, I’ll match every dollar you give—up to $10,000!”
- How It Works: They partner with a nonprofit, set a goal, and usually double donations during the 24-hour Giving Tuesday window (midnight to 11:59 PM on December 2, 2025).
- Real Talk: Back in the day, a donor helped YearUp snag a $50,000 challenge grant—just by matching gifts from 500 donors.
2. Companies – big brands & local favorites
From Microsoft to your neighborhood coffee shop, businesses love to give back too.
- Employee Matching: A company matches what their staff donates. Usually done through platforms.
- Customer Campaigns: Like “We’ll donate $1 for every purchase” or “Round up your total at checkout.”
- Direct Matches: Sometimes companies pledge big sums to specific causes. PayPal, for example, has powered huge matching drives on its platform.
- Need Proof? A local business in Central New York matched gifts during their community’s Giving Day. Result? Local nonprofits got a serious boost.
3. Foundations (private & community ones)
These are the big organizers behind the scenes – quiet, but mighty.
- How They Help: Foundations like the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation step in to match gifts to specific programs, think education, disaster relief, or health.
- Challenge Grants: Sometimes, it’s “If 300 people give, we’ll unlock $25K.”
- Past Example: The Gates Foundation has matched donations to global health nonprofits – taking your $10 and making it $20 for a big cause.
4. Online platforms (sometimes, not always)
Online platforms might chip in but it’s not a sure thing.
- The Deal: These platforms sometimes announce time-limited matches (like “First $1M matched on Giving Tuesday”).
- Heads-Up: Matching funds can disappear fast. It’s usually “first come, first matched.”
- 2023 Highlight: PayPal’s giving platform backed matching campaigns that helped groups like the Canadian Cancer Society stretch their impact past Tuesday.
5. Nonprofits themselves (they hustle for matches!)
Yep, many nonprofits work their connections to line up matching gifts before the big day.
- How It Works: They’ll say something like “Double your donation – matched up to $5K thanks to [Awesome Donor].”
- The Fine Print: These matches aren’t from the nonprofit’s own budget. They’re pulled in from partners – individuals, businesses, or foundations.
- Success Story: Fenix Youth Project crushed their goal by using matching gifts to raise over $7,000 – more than double what they aimed for.
6. But not the government
Just so we’re clear…
- Nope: Government agencies don’t match Giving Tuesday donations.
- They Might Promote It: They’ll support community events or awareness but not with matching dollars.
- Rare Exception: If there’s a public-private partnership around a crisis, maybe. But it’s not the norm.
Tips for finding matching opportunities
Here’s how to stay ahead of the game.
1. Start scouting in November
Hop onto the websites, email lists, or social feeds of the nonprofits you care about.
Most start dropping hints or full-blown announcements about matching gifts 4–6 weeks before Giving Tuesday. (Think mid-October.)
2. Follow the hashtag trail
Keep an eye on #GivingTuesday on Instagram, X, or Facebook.
Nonprofits post updates, and platforms announce surprise matches, especially on December 2.
3. Move fast
Matching funds don’t last forever.
Many are “first come, first matched” like “We’ll match the first $5,000.”
So if you’re planning to give, do it early on December 2. Some matches are gone within hours.
4. Ask your boss (seriously)
Your company might already match employee donations.
A quick check with HR or your company’s giving portal, could double your impact just like that.
Quick recap: Watch early. Follow the hashtags. Act fast. Ask your workplace.
How to plan and run a successful Giving Tuesday campaign
Prepping for your Giving Tuesday campaign isn’t one of those things that you just slap together real quick. It takes time and a solid plan for the best success. Here’s how to take full advantage of all Giving Tuesday has to offer:
Step 1: Plan, Plan, Plan
Giving Tuesday is no different from any other fundraiser in terms of creating a plan of action. Now is time to set up a brainstorming meeting with your team to map it all out.
Questions your team should answer include:
- Are you trying to reach a specific demographic? This will help determine what mediums you’ll use and the type of messaging.
- What’s your campaign’s message? This is where brainstorming is really helpful as you can work to come up with something that will inspire your audience to give.
- What are your resources? Giving Tuesday is an all day event that largely hinges on getting the word out. It’s important to have a list of staff and/or volunteers that can help take video, pictures, and engage on social media throughout the day.
- How do you plan to reach your audience? Remember, Giving Tuesday is powered by social media. So it’s important you pick the platform(s) that have the best chance of resonating with your specific audience. For example, if your donors are primarily 45-64, you’d be smart to choose Facebook as your primary platform for your fundraising, with Instagram or Twitter in support.
- Do you have corporate partners? Compile a list of sponsors and partners from past events and reach out to see if they will either help to spread the word or match donations. They could match all donations received or for a specific time period.
When should you start planning for Giving Tuesday?
Planning cheat sheet: by role
1. Individuals
- Start: Mid-October to early November (Oct 14–Nov 4)
- Why: You’ve got less prep, but still check for matches, pick your cause, maybe plan a mini fundraiser.
2. Nonprofits
- Start:
- Big campaign: Early to mid-September (Sep 9–Oct 7)
- Simple push: Early October
- Why: You’ll need time to lock in goals, line up matching gifts, design your messaging, and test donation pages.
3. Businesses
- Start:
- Larger campaigns: 8–12 weeks out (Sep 9–Oct 7)
- Smaller efforts: Around October 14
- Why: You might want to partner with a nonprofit, build a matching program, or launch a promo (like donating $1 per sale).
4. Schools, faith groups, and community orgs
- Start:
- Standard events: October 7–14
- Big drives or service projects: Back it up to September
- Why: You’ll need time to rally volunteers, plan events, and spread the word.
Step 2: Set Your Giving Tuesday Goals
Goals are crucial for any fundraiser because it enables you to measure your performance from beginning to end and make any adjustments if you see the need.
You may want to consider setting smaller benchmarks leading up to a larger, overall goal. For Giving Tuesday, you could aim to hit specific donation amounts with respect to the time of day.
For example, send out a post at 11:45am that you’re nearing your $5000 lunchtime goal and just need a few more donations. If you truly want to leverage this type of strategy, make sure to include how your nonprofit will benefit from the donation. If your organization is an animal shelter, the post might look like this:
We’re so close to our lunchtime donation goal of $5000. If we can hit this number we’ll be able to buy all of our puppies new blankets, toys, and treats. #givingtuesday
Pro tip: Always use photos! They are a great way to showcase your cause and pull on the heartstrings of those who are considering making a donation. Imagine seeing a photo of a tiny puppy in a cage with no toys. Who wouldn’t give to that?
Step 3: Create a Donation Page
With the attention surrounding Giving Tuesday, you have a real opportunity to collect significant donations. While it may seem tempting to create a fundraising page on Facebook and call it a day – that simply won’t be enough.
You need a dedicated place where people can learn about your cause, donate, and share information – you need a donation page. Don’t worry, it’s a lot easier than you think.
Could you hire a developer to create something for your organization? Sure. But why do that when you can use free tools like RallyUp? RallyUp is a digital fundraising platform for nonprofits that enables you to create your own donation page for FREE!
With social media sharing capabilities and features like fundraising thermometers, you can keep your current donors engaged and bring in new ones to support your cause.
Step 4: Pre-Promote
Without a doubt, Giving Tuesday is one of the most well-known fundraising campaigns that encourages so many people to give. The downside is that you’re going to have some stiff competition since nonprofits all around the world participate.
That’s why pre-promoting the fundraiser is so important. How, you ask?
- Email donors – Create an email campaign that explains what you’re fundraising for, your nonprofit’s goal, and how donors can help. Include links to your donation page to make it easy. Aim to send multiple emails leading up to the event, including the day of. Don’t forget images to pull on the heartstrings!
- Countdown on social media – Let your followers on social media know that you’re participating, explain your goals, and encourage them to help spread the word by sharing your posts. As the fundraiser gets closer, don’t be afraid to post daily.
- Rally your network – Participate in the local Chamber of Commerce? Part of any groups? Have a lot of connections on Linkedin? Leverage it. Let everyone know about the fundraiser and how they can help. By simply sharing your posts, your network can make a huge difference.
How to boost engagement during Giving Tuesday
It’s the big day! But, that doesn’t mean your work is done. Now, it’s all about engaging with donors and trying to encourage those that have yet to donate to support your cause. There are a few great ways to do this.
- Update your followers often – Most stats or ‘best practices’ discuss avoiding posting too much. But this is not the case for Giving Tuesday, especially considering it takes place through social media channels. Posting often throughout the day is encouraged. Let your followers know what’s happening. Show them images of all the good your nonprofit has done over the years.
- Give them something to share – A big part of why Giving Tuesday works is because it’s done in a way that donors can share information easily. They share information to their page, then their friends share it to their pages, and so on. So, give them something to share – tell a heartwarming story, provide videos and images. Don’t forget, include the link to your donation page to encourage people to get more information.
- Tell them what to do – Don’t be afraid to ask your donors for help. Ask them to share your donation page with friends. You could even provide goal updates and ask that they help you reach a specific benchmark. The point is, some people may not know what you need. That’s why you need to tell them.
- Respond every time – If you haven’t figured this out yet, your entire day will be spent online. And it should be! Every inquiry, share, or donation should be met with a response from your organization. A simple thank you goes a long way.
What to do after Giving Tuesday ends
After your fundraiser, take a breath and pat yourself on the back. You did it! But, don’t get too comfortable – your work isn’t quite finished yet. First, you need to make sure you thank every person that donated or volunteered for Giving Tuesday. There are several ways you might consider saying ‘thanks’, but consider these options:
- Social Media Supporters – Respond to every person that shared or liked your fundraiser on social media. It was their support that helped to expand your reach.
- Corporate Partners – For larger partners that matched donations, sponsored the fundraiser, or donated a big lump sum, send them something extra special like some nonprofit swag. Deliver it in person for that extra touch.
- Donors – A hand-written letter is almost as personal as it gets. Get your volunteers or team together to write every donor to tell them what a difference they made. Just be sure to ask for their address on your donation page when they go to donate so you have it handy!
- Your Team – Don’t forget to thank your team, who works hard for your nonprofit every day. Throw a big luncheon to celebrate or give them a day to relax!
Keep the Momentum Going
Giving Tuesday is a great way to spread awareness of your cause just before the biggest donation month of the year – December. A third of donations for nonprofits are given in December! So, leverage your reach to spread the word about your next fundraiser.
Good news! With the flexibility that our online fundraising platform has, you can easily host any type of fundraiser moving into the final month of the year! We even put together a list of Christmas fundraising ideas to give you some inspiration.
Maximize your Giving Tuesday fundraising efforts with RallyUp
Arguably, the most important part of your fundraising efforts is providing a fun and seamless hub for your donors to give to your cause! RallyUp gives your nonprofit the ability to run any kind of fundraiser online, including peer-to-peer fundraising, auctions, sales, events, live streaming, and so much more.
Their team of experts are available 24/7, so you always have access to help no matter the time of day. Oh, did we mention – RallyUp is FREE.
It’s time to start up-leveling your efforts and building the perfect fundraising experience for donors. And you can do it with ease with the help of RallyUp.
How to create a Giving Tuesday fundraiser with RallyUp
Step 1: Pick your fundraising style
RallyUp makes it easy to go your way. Choose one that fits your vibe:
- Crowdfunding: The classic. Simple donation page, big Giving Tuesday energy.
- Peer-to-Peer: Let your supporters shine. They each get their own page and tap into their networks.
- Raffle or Sweepstakes: Prizes + donations = fun. Just make sure Sweepstakes offer a free entry option (RallyUp handles the legal stuff).
- Event: Hosting a virtual gala or in-person bash? Sell tickets right on RallyUp.
Step 2: Create your message
Tell a story that people feel. Why does your cause matter? What will donations do?
Need inspo? Hit up www.GivingTuesday.org for free toolkits, ideas, and ready-to-roll content.
Step 3: Create your RallyUp account (it’s fast + free)
- Head to www.RallyUp.com and sign up – no fees, no strings.
- Connect a Stripe or PayPal account so donations land safely.
- No Stripe or PayPal for your nonprofit? RallyUp supports DAF options via Pledge or Giving Stream (just note: higher fees and longer payouts – 15 to 90 days).
- Raising funds on behalf of a 501(c)? RallyUp can route funds directly and securely to the organization(s) of your choice.
Step 4: Build your campaign
From your dashboard, hit “Create a Fundraiser.” Use a ready-made template or build your own.
- Name + Look: Title your campaign (ex: “Giving Tuesday 2025 for [Your Cause]”), upload a logo, and customize your colors.
- Set the details: Pick your goal, set the timeline (think 24 hours for Giving Tuesday), and choose your currency.
- Tell your story: Add a heartfelt description. Drop in photos or videos; images = more clicks + donations.
- Fine-tune settings:
- Crowdfunding: Enable one-time or monthly gifts. Offer thank-you Perks for higher donations.
- Peer-to-Peer: Let supporters create their own Fundraising Pages.
- Preview everything: Test before launch. Use RallyUp’s preview button and even run a trial donation.
Note for Raffles or Sweepstakes: RallyUp includes built-in legal rules, but you should always double-check local laws before running a giveaway.
Step 5: Promote
RallyUp gives you tools to spread the word fast:
- Text-to-Give: Set up a keyword (like “GIVE”) folks can text to 33100. Boom! They get your campaign link.
- Sharing rewards: Activate this for Raffles or Sweepstakes. Donors get bonus entries for spreading your campaign.
- One Link. Easy Access. All your fundraising happens under one sleek RallyUp URL.
Step 6: Rock Giving Tuesday (December 2, 2025)
- Post updates all day long. “We’re $500 away!” keeps momentum high.
- Use RallyUp’s live dashboard to track donations in real-time.
Go Live!
When you’re ready, hit “Go Live” or schedule your campaign to launch right at midnight.
Templates make it lightning fast and you can launch in minutes.
With RallyUp, you’ve got the tools. Add your passion and purpose and you’re all set to make this year’s Giving Tuesday your biggest yet.
Need a hand?
Reach out to RallyUp support anytime. You’ll meet real people, real answers—right when you need them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! RallyUp is made for nonprofits. Whether you’re running a Crowdfunding campaign, Peer-to-Peer push, Raffle, or Event, you’re in.
You bet. Schools, PTAs, and universities can run their own RallyUp campaigns—think fundraising for school programs, scholarships, or partner charities. Use tools like Crowdfunding, Raffles, or ticketed Events to bring students, families, and alumni together on Giving Tuesday.
Oh yes. Small businesses that want to support charitable causes can shine on RallyUp. Launch a campaign or host a Giving Tuesday Event. RallyUp’s custom pages help you showcase your brand while supporting a cause.
For sure. Big teams, big goals, RallyUp’s got the tools. From enterprise campaigns to corporate matching and multi-activity setups, large nonprofits and corporations can go big on Giving Tuesday with powerful, ready-to-launch templates.
Great news: RallyUp is free if donors leave a tip at checkout (most do!). Prefer to control costs up front? Go with Flex Pricing. There’s no subscription. No sign-up fee. Just start when you’re ready.
There’s no single list, since each campaign is created by its organizer. On December 2, check out #GivingTuesday on social media or visit www.GivingTuesday.org for more.
Nope! Any charitable group or organization can fundraise on RallyUp.
Maybe, but it’s up to you to lock it in! RallyUp doesn’t offer matching funds itself (yet!) but if you line up a matching donor or business partner, RallyUp makes it easy to promote and track those gifts. Want your donations doubled? Secure a match by October to be ready for December 2.
You’re covered. RallyUp has live support (chat or email), expert campaign reviews, and tons of tutorials at learn.rallyup.com. Would you like extra help with a complex setup? The RallyUp Create My Campaign service is ready. Or try Instant Fundraiser Templates to speed up a process. Don’t forget to grab the Giving Tuesday Guide.
Easy! You’ve got options:
On December 2, follow #GivingTuesday on X, Instagram, or Facebook—many campaigns share their links there.
Visit GivingTuesday.org or check local hashtags (like
Nonprofits, schools, families, businesses, big-name orgs—you name it. If you’re raising funds for a charitable group or organization, you can use RallyUp.
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