In recent years, the Tuesday after Thanksgiving has become known as “Giving Tuesday” — a movement to encourage people to do good through volunteering or charitable donations. It’s a terrific opportunity for PTOs, booster clubs, sports, community groups, and other small nonprofits to fundraise while giving is on many people’s minds.
Because Giving Tuesday started as an online movement, much of the fundraising activity still happens virtually. Use your email and social media channels to get the word out, and be sure you have a reliable way to collect donations online.
Whichever type of Giving Tuesday fundraiser you plan to run, you’ll need to publicize it widely with clear, simple messaging. See below for examples.
Basic Giving Tuesday message (no special incentives)
Use this when you have a straightforward fundraising goal without matching gifts or special incentives. Focusing on a specific helps encourage people to donate because they understand exactly how their money will be used.
Dear supporters,
Today is Giving Tuesday, and we’re working toward a goal of $1,200 to purchase new books for our school library. These books will directly benefit every student in our school by expanding our reading resources and supporting literacy development.
Your contribution—in any amount—helps us reach this goal.
Donate securely online: [insert your link]Thank you for your continued support!
Social media
It’s #GivingTuesday! Will you help us reach our goal of $1,200 for new library books? Every donation directly supports literacy in our community. Contribute here: [insert your link]
Giving Tuesday with matching gift message
Partnering with a local business or generous individual to match donations not only nets more funds for your organization, it also encourages people to give, because they know if they do it right now, their money will go farther.
Dear supporters,
This Giving Tuesday, the Springfield Chamber of Commerce is matching all donations to our organization for 24 hours. That means every dollar you give goes twice as far.
This year, our goal is to raise $1,600 for new athletic equipment. With the matching gift, we only need to raise $800 from our community to reach our target. Will you help us get there?
Donate securely online: [insert your link]
Social media
TODAY ONLY: Springfield Chamber of Commerce will match donations to our organization to help us reach our goal of $1,600 for new sports equipment. By donating today, your money will go twice as far: [insert your link]
Progress update messages
Sharing progress throughout Giving Tuesday can encourage supporters to help get you over the finish line to your goal.
Example update messages for social media
Giving Tuesday update: We’ve raised $650 so far, just over halfway to our goal! Let’s keep it going, and thank you to everyone who has contributed! Donate here: [insert your link]
We’re just $300 away from our Giving Tuesday goal! Donations received by midnight tonight will be matched dollar-for-dollar. Will you help us get there? [insert your link]
Giving Tuesday thank you messages
After your campaign ends, be sure to thank your supporters and let them know the results.
Dear supporters,
What an incredible Giving Tuesday!
Final total: $2,150 from 34 amazing donorsThanks to you, we exceeded our goal of $1,600. Special thank you to the Chamber of Commerce for matching the first $800 in donations.
Because of your generous support, our students will start off next season with better, safer equipment. Thank you for making it possible.
Social media
FINAL RESULT: $2,150 raised from 34 incredible donors! We exceeded our goal and our students will have new equipment this spring. Thank you to our amazing community for making it possible!
Conclusion
Giving Tuesday is a powerful reminder that even small nonprofits can make a big impact. With the right message—one that’s personal, specific, and rooted in your mission—you can inspire your community to step up in meaningful ways.
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