#givingtuesday

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This is the first year I have heard about #GivingTuesday (#GT) and I wanted to share with you what I have learned. #GT is an awesome opportunity. First we had Black Friday, then Cyber Monday and now we have #GT— What do you think will be next?

For a little background this is a movement that has created a day of national of giving. Essentially, this day, GT,  is a way to start off the giving season. GT allows us to physically put something on the calendar which follows the mayhem of shopping. 2013 marks the second annual GivingTuesday. Like retail stores take part in Black Friday,  this is one way to allow for a community to come together for #GivingTuesday.

You can find all of this information on the website: http://community.givingtuesday.org/Page/FAQ. As I am sure a link might stop most of you from reading it, read below for the same information and enjoy. Remember, it’s never too little or too late.

Question: What is #GivingTuesday’s mission?

Answer: #GivingTuesday™ is a campaign to create a national day of giving at the start of the annual holiday season. It celebrates and encourages charitable activities that support non-profit organizations.

Question: How did #GivingTuesday start?

Answer: New York’s 92nd Street Y was the catalyst and incubator for #GivingTuesday, bringing the expertise of 139 years of community-management to the project and providing #GivingTuesday a home. The United Nations Foundation joined as partners, bringing their strategic and communications clout to the project. An amazing team of influencers then offered their ideas, contacts and wisdom to help shape and improve the concept. A powerful list of corporations and non-profits agreed to be founding partners, helping spread the word and committing to their own #GivingTuesday initiatives. Since then, countless organizations, friends and leaders have all added their support and talents to make #GivingTuesday a reality.

Question: Did #GivingTuesday make a difference last year?

Answer: In 2012, we had more than 2,500 recognized #GivingTuesday™ partners from all 50 states of the United States. The collective efforts of partners, donors and advocates helped fuel a marked increase in charitable giving on GivingTuesday.

Blackbaud processed over $10 million in online donations on 11/27/12 – a 53% increase when compared to the Tuesday after Thanksgiving the previous year. DonorPerfect recorded a 46% increase in online donations and the average gift increased 25%. More than 50 million people worldwide spread the word about GivingTuesday – resulting in milestone trending on Twitter. Not too shabby, right?

Question: Who can participate?

Answer: Everyone! #GivingTuesday is an initiative to start the giving season and we encourage everyone to be involved with it. However, to be an official partner, you must be a registered non-profit [a 501(c)3 in the United States] with a specific #GivingTuesday initiative, or a for-profit business, school, religious or community group who commit to spearhead a project that will benefit at least one registered charity or non-profit. Families and individuals are encouraged to be generous in whatever ways matter to them, whether that means volunteering at a local charity or donating to a favorite cause.

Question: Who can be a partner?

Answer: To be an official partner, you must be a registered non-profit [a 501(c)3 in the United States] with a specific #GivingTuesday initiative, or a for-profit business, school, religious or community group who commit to spearhead a project that will benefit at least one registered charity or non-profit.
 
Question: Can organizations get donations through the #GivingTuesday website?

Answer: No. #GivingTuesday is a movement. We are not an organization and do not accept or distribute donations. All donations need to be made through partner websites. Official partners are responsible for their own fundraising initiatives.
 
Question: I’m a member of the media. How do I connect to someone at #GivingTuesday?

Answer: We’d be happy to speak with you. Please click here to contact us.