What is Giving Tuesday About, Anyhow?

As the holidays approach, you’ve undoubtedly heard about “Giving Tuesday” and have probably noticed its rising popularity, year after year. The day—the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving; this year it's December 2, 2025—has become one of the most important fund-raising days on the calendars of non-profits. Here’s why.

Giving Tuesday is a global generosity movement started in 2012 as a response to the consumerism of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. A one-day, online fundraising event has grown into a worldwide phenomenon that encourages individuals to give back in various ways, not just financially. 

Origins and rapid growth:

• Created as a counter-movement. The day was established by the 92nd Street Y and the United Nations Foundation in New York City with the idea of a day dedicated to "doing good". The concept was to shift focus from the post-Thanksgiving shopping rush to generosity.

• It quickly went global. Since its inception in 2012, Giving Tuesday has expanded significantly beyond the U.S. As of 2024, the movement is active in over 105 countries and more than 300 communities worldwide.

• No registration required. The movement is an open-source, decentralized idea. People do not need to officially register to participate. This free-to-join structure has helped it spread and allowed individuals as well as organizations of any size to participate. 

Powerful financial and community impact 

• Enormous fundraising growth. In its first year, Giving Tuesday raised just over $10 million. In 2024, the amount of money donated in the U.S. alone hit a record-breaking $3.6 billion, bringing the total since 2012 to over $18.5 billion.

• Small gifts add up. The vast majority of gifts on Giving Tuesday are small, everyday donations. This shows that collective action from millions of people giving small amounts is what creates the largest impact.

• A strong kickoff to the giving season. Giving Tuesday acts as a powerful launch for the year-end giving season. Many givers use it as a ceremonial kickoff to their holidays!

Summary

Giving Tuesday is a global movement that encourages generosity in many forms, including volunteering, donating goods, and advocating for causes, not just financial contributions. In 2024, participation soared with millions giving non-monetary gifts and the U.S. alone raising a record $3.6 billion, highlighting the power of small donations and collective action. The event serves as a major kickoff for the giving season, inspiring ongoing generosity and supporting nonprofits throughout the year.

As for TACO, Giving Tuesday has become one of our most-important days on the fund-raising calendar. If you're participating in Giving Tuesday, please think of TACO on Tuesday, December 2, 2025!