Giving Tuesday History

Giving Tuesday is a global philanthropic movement that encourages individuals, communities, and organizations to show generosity in myriad ways. Its purpose is to galvanize people from all walks of life to support charitable causes and give back to their communities. It's a day dedicated to humanity, bringing together individuals to help people and organizations in need.

Giving Tuesday emerged in 2012 as a simple idea - a day aimed at generosity, nestled amidst the rush of post-Thanksgiving sales. Brought to life by the 92nd Street Y, a community and cultural center in New York City, and the United Nations Foundation, it has rapidly caught up to become a worldwide phenomenon.

Giving Tuesday is celebrated through monetary donations, volunteering time, lending skills for a cause, or amplifying voices for underrepresented groups. This day of altruism emphasizes giving in all forms, recognizing that everyone has something to offer. The efforts put forth on this day leave lasting, meaningful impacts on communities across the globe. Giving Tuesday takes place on the Tuesday following the U.S. Thanksgiving day.

Top 4 Facts for Giving Tuesday in 2026

• In 2022, Giving Tuesday raised $3.1 billion, breaking the previous record of $3 billion in 2021.
• In 2023, the average donation size on Giving Tuesday was $175.
• Over 71 countries around the world support and participate in Giving Tuesday.
• You may have heard of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. There's another day you might want to know about: Giving Tuesday. The idea is pretty straightforward. On the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, shoppers take a break from their gift-buying and donate what they can to charity. – Bill Gates, creator of Microsoft.

In the News and Trending in the US for Giving Tuesday

Top things to do in the US for Giving Tuesday

• Watch a movie on the joys of gifts and giving. Some suggestions are: Pay it Forward (2000), It’s a Wonderful Life (1946), and Millions (2004).
• Spread awareness on social media by using the hashtag #GivingTuesday, #TuesdayGiveawayDay and #TuesdayMeansDonate.
• Volunteer your time at a local homeless shelter or volunteer organization. Giving can be much more than simply giving your money or things away. Giving your time is equally as valuable and in some ways more important.
• Read a book about the joys of sharing. Some suggestions are: The Giving Book, Giving: How Each of Us Change the World and The Giving Tree.
• Donate to a charity of your choice. Charity Navigator can help you find a charity that suits you.