What is Giving Tuesday? Origins, meaning, and how to give

And that giving isn’t just about money. It’s about kindness, connection, and showing up for causes that matter.

Whether you're a nonprofit hoping to raise more, or a credit union looking to connect with your community, Giving Tuesday is a powerful moment to act. At Harness, we’ve seen how a single day can bring in new donors, re-engage lapsed ones, and build real momentum. We've helped our partners run campaigns that feel human, not transactional, because giving should always feel that way.

So, if you’re curious about how Giving Tuesday came to be, why it’s important, and how to make the most of it, you're in the right place.

What is Giving Tuesday all about?

Giving Tuesday is a global day that’s all about doing good. It happens every year on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, right after the big shopping days, Black Friday and Cyber Monday. But instead of spending, it’s focused on giving. That could mean donating to a cause, volunteering your time, or simply helping someone out.

The idea is simple: remind people that we’re all connected, and we can all make a difference, no matter how big or small the action. It’s not just for big organizations or wealthy donors. Anyone, anywhere, can join in. Over the years, it’s grown into a worldwide movement with millions of people participating.

At its heart, Giving Tuesday is a chance to put generosity front and center. It’s a reminder that giving is powerful, and that even one act of kindness can spark something bigger.

Giving Tuesday origin: How it all started

Giving Tuesday began with a simple question: what if there was a day focused on giving, not getting? In 2012, a nonprofit in New York City called the 92nd Street Y teamed up with the United Nations Foundation to bring that idea to life. Their goal was to create a moment that reminded people to give back, especially after the heavy spending of Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

What started as a small campaign quickly took off. Nonprofits, schools, businesses, and regular folks all over the United States joined in. And it didn’t stop there. Within just a few years, people in other countries picked up the idea and made it their own.

Now, Giving Tuesday is celebrated in more than 80 countries. It’s proof that generosity speaks every language. And the best part? It still runs on the same simple idea it began with, helping others, together.

How nonprofit organizations use Giving Tuesday to raise money

For nonprofits, Giving Tuesday is more than just a date on the calendar, it’s a big chance to bring in support and raise awareness. Many use it to launch special fundraising campaigns, often with a clear goal and a strong story to tell. It’s a time when people are ready to give, so nonprofits make it easy to say “yes.”

Some set up donation pages that are quick to use on phones and laptops. Others run peer-to-peer fundraisers, where supporters help by asking their own friends and family to give. Social media plays a huge role too. With the right posts, videos, or even just a simple thank-you, nonprofits can connect with people on a personal level and inspire action.

And behind the scenes? Tools like Harness help nonprofits track everything in one place, donor info, campaign performance, and follow-ups. That way, they don’t just raise money, they build real relationships that last long after Giving Tuesday ends.

The impact of Giving Tuesday in the United States and globally

Giving Tuesday has grown into something huge. In the U.S. alone, people give hundreds of millions of dollars each year, just on that one day. But the impact isn’t just about money. It’s about people showing up for each other in all kinds of ways.

From big cities to small towns, folks volunteer at food banks, donate clothes, check on neighbors, and support causes they care about. Globally, the movement has reached places far from where it started, like Kenya, Brazil, and India, with each region putting its own spin on how to give.

That’s the beauty of it. Giving Tuesday isn’t controlled by one group. It belongs to everyone. Whether it’s a school hosting a drive, a business matching employee donations, or someone giving $5 online, it’s all part of a bigger story. A story about shared humanity, and the idea that when we give together, we grow together.

Why Giving Tuesday matters after shopping days like Black Friday and Cyber Monday

After a weekend packed with deals and discounts, Giving Tuesday shows up with a different message: let’s give instead of get. It offers a break from the pressure to buy and shifts the focus to what really matters, helping others.

Think about it. We spend so much time hunting for the best price or the biggest sale. But when Tuesday hits, the energy changes. People start thinking about the causes they care about, the people in their community, and how they can do something meaningful.

That contrast is part of what makes Giving Tuesday powerful. It reminds us that we’re more than just shoppers, we’re neighbors, friends, and people who want to make things better. For nonprofits, this timing is gold. Right when the world is ready to take a breath, they can show up with a story worth supporting.

Creative ways to participate in Giving Tuesday

There’s no one “right” way to take part in Giving Tuesday. That’s what makes it so special. Anyone can jump in, no matter their budget, time, or background. For nonprofits, it’s a great chance to try something new or think outside the box.

Here are a few ways we’ve seen work well:

• Run a social media challenge. Ask supporters to share why they give, or post a photo doing something kind. Hashtags help spread the word fast.
• Launch a peer-to-peer fundraiser. Let your most loyal supporters raise money on your behalf. They bring new people into your circle.
• Offer a matching gift. If a donor or sponsor is willing to match contributions, let people know. It doubles the impact and drives urgency.
• Go live. Host a livestream event or behind-the-scenes tour. It builds trust and makes your mission feel real.
• Keep it simple. A short email or heartfelt video can go a long way. Giving Tuesday isn’t about perfection, it’s about connection.

The key is making it feel human. That’s where the magic happens.

Bring people together

Giving Tuesday isn’t just a date, it’s a reminder. A reminder that generosity still brings people together. That small actions can lead to big changes. And that when we give, time, money, attention, we’re part of something bigger than ourselves.

If you're a nonprofit, it's a moment to show your impact. If you're a supporter, it's a chance to do something that matters. And if you're not sure where to start, just remember: one simple act is enough.

At Harness, we believe in the power of these moments. We’ve seen how Giving Tuesday can spark growth, deepen relationships, and fuel real change. Let’s keep building on that, together.