Giving Tuesday is coming up on November 28, 2023! It's crucial nonprofits make the right preparations to make the most of this global day of generosity. In this blog post, we will provide a guide to ensure your organization's success on Giving Tuesday. We've got you covered from attracting donors to complying with state registration requirements. Let's dive in!

What is Giving Tuesday?

Giving Tuesday, an annual event on the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving, was established as a philanthropic alternative to the excessive consumerism of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. This remarkable initiative leverages the power of social media and collaboration to inspire individuals and communities to give back and support causes close to their hearts.

Giving Tuesday has become a beacon of generosity, compassion, and community support. In 2022, Giving Tuesday witnessed an astounding $3.1 billion in donations in the United States, marking a 15% increase from the previous year and a remarkable 25% increase since 2020. Setting yet another milestone, Giving Tuesday in 2022 surpassed $1 billion in online donations for the first time.

In 2022, 20 million individuals in the United States made monetary contributions and generously gave their time, donated goods, and raised awareness for those in need. A remarkable 10 million volunteered, 11 million donated goods, and an astounding 15 million "gave voice" to the cause. Together, these acts of kindness made a significant impact, showcasing the compassion and generosity of the American people.

Why Participate in Giving Tuesday?

Participating in Giving Tuesday allows nonprofit organizations to amplify their fundraising efforts and foster connections with new donors. By participating in this global movement, nonprofits can tap into a vast network of potential donors actively seeking opportunities to contribute.

What kinds of campaigns are most popular/successful?

Successful campaigns showcase the power of storytelling in connecting donors to a cause and inspiring them to take action. Other campaigns have leveraged social media influencers, engaged corporate partnerships, or offered creative incentives for donations, such as matching gifts or exclusive merchandise. Ultimately, the most successful campaigns effectively communicate their mission and impact while creating a sense of urgency.

Here are some examples of the biggest, most memorable campaigns of years past.

Rescuing Leftover Cuisine, Inc.

RLC empowers community members to bridge the gap between excess food and those who need it most. Through the tireless efforts of dedicated volunteer leaders called Lead Rescuers, unsold products from restaurants and businesses are rescued instead of discarded and delivered to local nonprofit organizations. Using modern and innovative solutions, RLC has already saved an astounding 9 million lbs. of food waste, nourishing people instead of filling landfills.

During RLC's Giving Tuesday 2022 campaign, "Rescue 10 Million Meals with RLC," their organization raised an impressive $94,335 to support needy families.

Feeding Pets of the Homeless

Feeding Pets of the Homeless was established with a singular mission: to provide individuals experiencing homelessness with the means to care for their beloved pets. What began as a simple endeavor to offer pet food has since evolved into a comprehensive range of services tailored to support these pets in their unfortunate circumstances.

Operating throughout the United States and Canada, their extensive network offers a wide array of assistance, including emergency veterinary care, provision of pet food, wellness clinics, and even a sleeping crate program. This program allows the homeless to seek refuge in shelters while ensuring their furry companions have a safe and secure space of their own.

During their recent Giving Tuesday 2022 campaign, titled "Emergency Veterinary Care for Pets of the Homeless," this incredible organization raised an impressive $19,987. These funds will go a long way in providing much-needed support to homeless individuals and their beloved animal companions.

MindLeaps

MindLeaps' mission is to enhance educational performance and create better opportunities for at-risk youth in developing countries. Through their program, they utilize a standardized dance methodology that facilitates behavioral transformation, cognitive development, and the acquisition of work-ready skills for out-of-school and vulnerable youth. In New York alone, 105,000 children face the challenges of having parents incarcerated, which significantly impacts their overall well-being. MindLeaps focuses on working with system-impacted children in Brooklyn and the Bronx.

Their Giving Tuesday 2022 campaign, "Help Children of Incarcerated Parents Thrive," successfully raised $16,033 to support their cause.

Ready to galvanize your community? We can help you prepare for the big day!

While unique in their respective strategies, the successful campaigns discussed above share a common thread: they all involve solicitation.

The act of asking for or seeking donations, whether it's through social media challenges, fundraising competitions, or one-day fundraisers, is considered solicitation. And with solicitation comes a critical obligation for nonprofits – registration.

Registration isn't just a formality; it's a legal requirement that varies from state to state. By registering, nonprofits demonstrate transparency and accountability, building trust and fostering generosity among potential donors. For your Giving Tuesday campaign to be successful, ensuring your organization is properly registered for solicitation is an indispensable step.

With the right preparation, your nonprofit can kick off a stellar Giving Tuesday campaign that inspires generosity and makes a powerful impact.

Not registered to solicit donations yet? Don't worry; we've got you covered. As you prepare for Giving Tuesday, it's essential to ensure that your organization is compliant with state charitable registration requirements. Labyrinth, Inc. can help you navigate the complex landscape of state charity regulations and assist you in filing for the necessary registrations before the big day. We file tens of thousands of state registrations each year and handle every aspect of the registration process for you.

A Complete Charitable Registration Solution

At Labyrinth, Inc., we ensure that your nonprofit stays compliant with state charitable registration requirements. Our team of compliance specialists is dedicated to supporting your journey and finding the most effective solutions for your organization.

To begin, we discuss the states where you engage in fundraising, define your objectives, and identify the states that require charitable solicitation registration. From there, we create a personalized compliance roadmap for you and your board. When you're ready, we promptly initiate the registration process.

Learn more about our charitable solicitation registration services here.