15 Quick & Easy Giving Tuesday Ideas for Nonprofits

Here at MoneyMinder, we’re passionate about supporting small and mid-sized nonprofits. We truly believe in the impact these organizations have on their communities and on the world around us.

As the holiday season approaches, your nonprofit may find itself competing with the commercial buzz of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. How can you harness the spirit of giving during this time of year to inspire your community to support your important mission? Enter Giving Tuesday.

What is Giving Tuesday?

Since 2012, Giving Tuesday has taken place annually on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. On this day, individuals, communities and organizations come together to make a positive impact. Giving Tuesday is organized by an independent nonprofit organization but no funds are transferred through this organization. It is just a movement to create more generosity in the world.

Giving Tuesday takes place at a pivotal moment in the calendar year. It not only taps into the spirit of generosity and holiday cheer, its proximity to the year’s end also makes it an ideal time for year-end fundraising appeals. For your nonprofit, it’s an opportunity to raise critical funds and support your cause.

Is it too Late to Fundraise on Giving Tuesday?

We’ll admit, the earlier you can start planning for Giving Tuesday, the better. But it’s never too late to launch a last-minute Giving Tuesday campaign. In fact, the whole idea of a one-day fundraiser provides a sense of urgency that might bode well for a quick fundraising campaign.

Even if you’re starting late, you can make an impact by focusing on a few key Giving Tuesday tips:

Keep it simple.

You don’t always need the giant wind sock on the corner or a banner behind an airplane. Sometimes a fundraiser is as simple as asking.

Leverage the tools you already have.

Do you have a website? A recent compelling impact story? A new nonprofit store where donations can be made? Use the tools you already have if you are running low on time to plan for more complex strategies.

Don’t be afraid to ask your network.

This is not the time to be shy. You have a mission and it requires money to fulfill it. You need help, so ask your community.

Find partners.

Don’t underestimate the power of partnerships. From restaurants to big community players, find the people who care enough to spread the word.

Offer incentives.

Speaking of partners, see if they are willing to help you offer incentives. A 50% off coupon. A free hotel stay. Win-win situations are always a great fundraising strategy.

Easy Giving Tuesday Ideas for Your Nonprofit

1. A Heartfelt Request

An open, honest appeal that emphasizes the urgent need for support. Utilize email, social media and your network to get the word out.

2. Photo Challenge

Ask your network of members, volunteers and beneficiaries to share photos of how your group touched them over the past year. Share the photos in your newsletter and on social media (and ask them to do the same) along with your donation request.

3. Virtual Penny War

Come up with two competing things that people can vote on. This could be something serious like what your next service project will be, or something funny like who in your nonprofit has the best mustache. Ask people to donate as their vote.

4. Limited Time Offers

Create a sense of urgency with limited-time offers from you or your partners in exchange for donations.

5. 24 Hours of Giving

Promote “a day to make a difference” with your one-day fundraising event. Post updates and incentives every hour, on the hour to keep people engaged and maybe donate more than once.

6. Text to Donate

Make it easy for supporters to contribute by setting up a campaign with a text to contribute service.

7. Milestone Challenge

Set up specific fundraising goals and offer incentives to the community or donors when each milestone is reached.

8. Warm Hearts Day of Giving

Recruit your finest volunteers to occupy a booth at a populated park or business in town. The key is that the location be outdoors and donors can come help warm your hearts with contributions.

9. Giving Tuesday Raffle

Sell raffle tickets all day long for varying amounts. Offer a tiered prize system where there are different prizes for different ticket prices.

10. Community Challenge

Does your community divide nicely into different neighborhoods, schools, departments, demographics or other groups? Segment those groups and challenge them to see who has the highest donation total, perhaps with a small prize or recognition.

11. Virtual Coffee Chat

Host a morning with a special guest or board member to discuss your mission or impact on the community. Ask for donations as an admission fee or people can give what they can on the call.

12. Thankful Giving

Piggyback on the Thanksgiving holiday with a day of “gratitude in action”, focusing on the themes of harvest and abundance.

13. Theme Day

Ask your community to dress in a certain theme all day to remind people to donate for an easy Giving Tuesday fundraising idea. Our favorite themes are things that are brightly colored.

14. Program and project highlight

Highlight specific projects or programs that will benefit from donations.

15. Donation matching

Partner with a donor or sponsor to match donations.

Do you think your nonprofit can pull off a last-minute Giving Tuesday fundraiser? We believe you will succeed! Take one of the ideas above and make it your own. You could even combine ideas: a themed raffle with a virtual coffee chat to kick things off. With a little creativity and a lot of heart, you’re sure to make this a fruitful holiday for your nonprofit.