GivingTuesday isn’t just another day; it’s a worldwide celebration of generosity, fueled by social media and powered by community spirit. Nonprofits everywhere use the Tuesday after Thanksgiving to rally supporters, raise crucial funds, and amplify their missions. But to make the most of GivingTuesday, you’ll need thoughtful planning and a spark of creativity to help your cause stand out.
The GivingTuesday tradition began in 2012 as a simple idea to balance out the shopping frenzy of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. The idea caught on, and today, GivingTuesday has grown into a global movement that inspires people everywhere to jump in and do some good, whether it’s donating or lending a helping hand by volunteering.
It’s not just about raising funds; it’s a time for communities to come together and share in the spirit of generosity as the holiday season begins. Year after year, it’s picking up steam, rallying millions to share their time, skills, and resources for causes they care about. In short, GivingTuesday is all about building a culture of kindness and giving that lives on well beyond just one day. In fact, GivingTuesday.org is now a nonprofit that connects people with nonprofits around the globe for giving. It encourages people to give not just on GivingTuesday, but every Tuesday!
Planning for GivingTuesday is a big moment for nonprofits. On top of raising funds, it’s an incredible opportunity to connect with supporters and share your mission with the world. With the holiday season full of donation appeals, having a solid game plan can really set your organization apart. So, where do you start? We’ve got a checklist of 9 simple steps to make your GivingTuesday the most successful day yet.
First things first: kick things off by clearly defining your campaign goals. Think about what you’re aiming for: maybe it’s aiming to break donation records, boosting volunteer sign-ups, or simply getting your mission out there. Having these concrete goals in mind and knowing exactly what you’re aiming for keeps your strategy focused and your team energized.
Once your goals are locked in, why not make them visual? Display banners, posters, or even a goal-tracking board in your office or community space to keep your team pumped and your supporters in the loop. Try passing out printed flyers with your mission, ways to get involved, and a thermometer showing how close you are to your goal. It’s a warm, personal touch that makes your outreach feel genuine, going beyond just the digital world.
#2 Create a Heartfelt GivingTuesday Campaign Make sure your GivingTuesday campaign connects with your audience on a personal level. Share your story! Explain why your cause matters and the impact every contribution has. If the creator of your nonprofit has a personal tie to the cause, open up about what led them to start the group and their journey. You can also share the stories of people who your nonprofit has helped. Pulling back the curtain on how you’re helping people living in the same community can be eye-opening, especially when those who’ve benefitted from the work share the impact it’s made on their lives.
Print materials can bring your story to life in a way digital content sometimes can’t. Think about creating impact reports or story booklets with testimonials and images that show the difference donations make. Share these at events or by mail, giving donors something meaningful to hold and remember. Consider a unifying theme that can echo across your platforms to keep your message consistent and impactful.
Everyone knows social media is a game-changer on GivingTuesday, so make sure to use it to its full potential! Share your message far and wide with the #GivingTuesday hashtag. As the big day approaches, map out posts that shine a light on the impact of donations. Use bold graphics and lively captions to put together eye-catching Instagram stories and targeted Facebook campaigns to get the most reach. Don’t forget to pepper in that #GivingTuesday hashtag!
Be sure to use any and all print materials to guide people to your online presence too. Include your social media handles and campaign hashtags everything you’re using to promote GivingTuesday. Whether you’re flooding store windows with posters, window clings or handing out flyers on street corners, this will create an easy way to connect! Consider throwing a QR code onto these print materials too so people can quickly scan it and go directly to your website. Piece of cake!
There’s strength in numbers and by partnering with other nonprofits, local businesses, schools, or community influencers, you’ll be able to reach new audiences and expand your impact, making your GivingTuesday campaign go even further than imagined. Organizations can join forces on GivingTuesday by hosting community events like food drives or collaborative fundraisers such as silent auctions or raffles, building excitement and community spirit.
Try creating co-branded materials like event posters, joint flyers, and brochures with both company logos and mission statements. By showing the collaboration between two trusted groups, you can strengthen trust and unity around your cause. Plus, sharing these materials through your partner network helps spread your message even wider! Collaboration can be the secret ingredient to transforming your GivingTuesday impact.
Incorporating printed materials can add a personal touch to your GivingTuesday campaign and offers a tangible piece of material people can use to remind themselves (or others!) to donate or sign up to volunteer. Here are a few different print promotional materials that can resonate with others and make your campaign even more meaningful.
Start by crafting informative brochures that clearly share your mission and highlight the impact donations can make. Distribute these in your community, hand them out at events, or send them out through direct mail. They’ll serve as wonderful reminders for your supporters as GivingTuesday approaches.
Sending postcards is another fantastic way to keep the excitement alive for the upcoming day of giving! Include a heartfelt message from your team along with details on how to contribute. A handwritten note can add a personal touch that really resonates with recipients and makes them feel valued. 
If you have a physical location or are taking part in community events, don’t underestimate the power of eye-catching signs! Banners, yard signs, double-sided flags and posters can draw attention and remind passersby about GivingTuesday and how they can get involved.
#6 Assemble the Dream Team of DonorsGivingTuesday isn’t just about raising funds, it’s also an important chance to build meaningful relationships! One of the best ways to find new donors and engage your current donors is by turning them into enthusiastic advocates for your cause. Encourage them to dive into peer-to-peer fundraising, sharing your mission with their friends, family, and coworkers.
Keep your donor database updated and well-organized so you can tailor your communications and follow-ups based on their past interactions with your organization. Consider adding QR codes to your flyers that link directly to your donor sign-up page. It’s a simple way to make connecting with your cause easy and fun!
Did you know that many companies offer matching gift programs that can double the impact of donations? These programs allow employees to have their contributions matched by their employers, meaning your nonprofit can benefit even more from every donation. To make the most of this opportunity, show donors how they can easily check to see if their employers participate in these programs and encourage them to take advantage of it. A simple nudge can make a world of difference!
Be sure to spotlight these matching gift opportunities through brochures, flyers, or newsletters. Simply explain how these programs work and provide clear instructions on getting started. You could even include a list of companies that offer matching gifts to make it easy for donors to check their eligibility. By showcasing this info, you’ll inspire your supporters to contribute, and their donations could end up going twice as far!
Planning engaging activities for GivingTuesday is key to capturing attention and encouraging donations, both online and offline. Think about hosting an event that invites people to get involved, like a charity bake sale, a volunteer fair, or even a fun virtual challenge. These events can not only raise funds but also create a sense of community around your cause, making supporters feel more connected!
Don’t forget to use printed materials to promote what’s happening. Flyers, posters, and postcards can help spread the word and give potential attendees a clear understanding of how they can support your mission. Make sure these materials highlight the event details. Include what it’s about, when and where it’s happening, and how their participation will make a difference. Promoting what you’re doing will help drive attendance and inspire even more people to contribute to your cause on GivingTuesday!
Sending thank you notes (especially printed ones) can truly show your heartfelt appreciation after the excitement of GivingTuesday. Use this opportunity to share how their contributions made a real impact and keep them in the loop about your exciting future initiatives. Remember, work doesn’t end when the day does! Engaging your donors and volunteers afterward is key to maintaining momentum and building lasting relationships.
Personalized thank you cards can go a long way in expressing gratitude, while annual reports in nice custom folders or newsletters keep donors informed about how their funds are being used. This transparency builds loyalty and encourages continued support.
Afterward, also take the time to track your campaign’s performance by looking at donation totals, social media engagement, and volunteer participation. This information will help you learn what worked and what didn’t, so you can fine-tune your approach for next year.
By following these steps, your nonprofit can set the stage for a successful GivingTuesday! Print isn’t just supplementary; it plays a crucial role in reaching out to donors in ways that digital campaigns sometimes can’t. The more personal and thoughtful your approach, the more meaningful your engagement with supporters will be. With a solid plan and a focus on impactful print materials, you can truly connect with your community and show them just how valuable their contributions are.
So, as you gear up for this special day of giving back, keep these strategies in mind and consider using MissionPrint to turn your plans into reality. Happy planning and printing, and here’s to making Giving Tuesday a fantastic success!
Place your order here!
Need Help? Submit your question here.
Powered by MyCreativeShop.com.
Opt-in to receive the latest updates and promotions.