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15 Giving Tuesday Ideas that are Surefire Success

By Colin Hunter

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In 2023, $3.1 billion was raised in the U.S. alone on Giving Tuesday. (Source) While the increase was only 0.6% from the year before, the message is clear: people are ready to give. But are you ready to make the most of it?

For nonprofits, this day is a perfect opportunity. You don’t want to miss out on engaging donors and driving support for your cause. But to make the most of it, you need a strong plan. That’s where some of the best Giving Tuesday ideas can help ensure your Giving Tuesday campaign hits the mark.

This blog offers a mix of creative and practical ideas that are sure to help you stand out and increase donations. 

Section 1: Creative Fundraising Ideas

1.1 Host a Virtual Giving Day

A Virtual Giving Day is all about creating an online space where your community can come together to support a cause. It's perfect for Giving Tuesday because people can join in from anywhere. 

You can use Zoom or social media platforms to make it easy for everyone to join and pin the link to donate at the top of the comments.

To raise funds effectively, you’ll want to engage your audience throughout the day. You can create momentum by offering matching gifts at specific times, sending out social media reminders, or sharing personal stories from beneficiaries. 

During the Livestream, mix in different segments like Q&A sessions, behind-the-scenes tours, or even live performances. These activities add energy to your event, making it more than just a fundraising pitch. 

You can also bring in guests or share real-time updates on how the donations are making an impact. It gives people a reason to stay involved throughout the day and keeps the excitement going.

Pro tip: When hosting your Virtual Giving Day, consider sending a reminder email early in the morning and again in the afternoon to those who haven’t donated yet. Sometimes, people just need a gentle nudge.

1.2 Create a Peer-to-Peer Fundraising Challenge

Want to make your Giving Tuesday campaign stand out? Try launching a peer-to-peer fundraising challenge. 

Here’s how it works: Your supporters create their own fundraising pages linked to your main campaign. They then invite friends, family, and colleagues to donate. It’s like each supporter is leading a mini-campaign for your cause!

Provide your supporters with the tools they need to set up their individual fundraising pages. BetterWorld’s Free Peer-to-Peer Fundraising Software can help streamline this process.

Examples of Challenges to Encourage Participation

  • Mile-a-Day: Challenge participants to walk, run, or bike a mile a day and ask their friends to pledge a donation for every mile completed.
  • Birthday Pledges: If their birthday is near Giving Tuesday, they can ask for donations instead of gifts.
  • Cook-Off: Participants can host a virtual cooking challenge where donors pay to vote on their favorite dishes based on presentation. 
  • Read-a-Thon: Encourage participants to pledge a reading goal and have donors sponsor each book or page they complete.
  • Art Exhibit: Participants can join a virtual art competition where community leaders and members can submit some form of art that they created, and voters select which one they like best. One good example of this is Bad Art by Good People

Pro Tip: Did you know that peer-to-peer fundraising initiatives have a 71% success rate? (Source) Let your supporters know that they’re part of a winning approach!

Section 2: Engaging Your Community

2.1 Partner with Local Businesses

Why not team up with local businesses for your Giving Tuesday campaign and add a community feel to your efforts? 

One fun idea is the “Local Business Takeover.” It is a simple idea in which you partner with a local business for a day and have them “hand over the keys” to your nonprofit. You could take over their social media, run a special promotion, or even have volunteers serve as guest employees. 

Businesses can pledge a percentage of their profits from the day to your cause to raise money. Promote it through both your channels and the business’s, so you’re reaching a wider audience.

Another creative option is the "Pay It Forward" Shopping Partner. You partner with a business to offer customers the chance to "pay it forward" on Giving Tuesday by adding a donation to their purchase. It could be rounding up their bill or choosing to buy an extra product that goes to someone in need. 

This is a simple way to raise extra funds while giving people the feeling they’re doing good without spending a ton.

Pro Tip: Choose a business that aligns with your mission or has strong community ties. Focus on small businesses that already support local causes. They’ll be more open to the idea, and their customers will likely be community-focused, too.

Partnering with local businesses can turn even small transactions into big wins for your nonprofit, which makes it one of the best Giving Tuesday campaigns out there.

2.2 Organize an Online Event or Auction

One of the best Giving Tuesday ideas is an online event or auction. These are perfect for connecting with a wide audience on Giving Tuesday. 

You could host a virtual concert, cooking class, or even a trivia night—anything that brings people together without needing to be in the same room. An online event like this keeps supporters engaged and having fun while they support your cause.

A virtual auction takes things a step further. People can bid on items right from their phones or computers. You can gather items from local businesses and generous donors or offer unique experiences within your nonprofit organization. 

A good idea is to start the auction a day before Giving Tuesday, let it run for 24 hours, and wrap it up on the big day. The bidding usually heats up near the end, adding a competitive, fast-paced energy. 

Winning bids are used to raise funds, and “Buy Now” options can be included for items that people don’t want to wait on. Here on BetterWorld, our Auction platform has a Max Bid feature where we provide an automated system that can bid on the user's behalf. It also sends notifications when they've been outbid.

To promote, share the auction link on social media, send it to your email list, and get as many eyes on it as possible.

Pro Tip: Host your online auction for free using BetterWorld, a platform built for nonprofits. You get to keep 100% of the funds you raise, with all the tools you need included at no extra cost. It’s a simple way to run a virtual auction and make a real difference. Request a demo today!

Section 3: Using Social Media

3.1 Social Media Challenges and Hashtags

Social media is a powerful tool for nonprofits, and creating a viral hashtag can turn your Giving Tuesday campaign into something bigger. 

You want a hashtag that’s catchy, easy to remember, and tied to your cause. For example, a simple phrase like #GiveForGood or #GivingBackTuesday can do the trick. 

Pair it with a challenge that encourages people to take action—whether it’s sharing a photo, making a donation, or completing a small task like picking up trash in their neighborhood.

The real magic happens when people start sharing their posts and tagging friends to join in. A well-thought-out hashtag challenge can spread quickly. 55% of people who engage with nonprofits on social media take action. Of those, 59% donate money, 53% volunteer, and 52% donate items. (Source)

Creating engaging social media content can directly lead to donations, volunteers, and item contributions.

To raise funds, link each post or challenge to your donation page or provide simple ways for people to give through their social platforms. Sharing Giving Tuesday social media posts regularly keeps the momentum strong and reminds people to get involved.

Pro Tip: Use social media analytics tools to track your hashtag’s performance. These tools help you measure engagement, reach, and conversion rates, giving you a clear idea of how effective the campaign is. Adjust your posts or challenges based on these insights to maximize participation and donations.

3.2 Live Streaming Fundraising Events

You’re likely already planning a fundraiser for Giving Tuesday, so why not live stream it? It’s a simple way to extend your reach and get more people involved, even if they can't show up in person.

Live streaming brings your event right to your supporters, no matter where they are. It adds a personal touch that feels more engaging as if they’re part of something happening in real-time. 

Plus, it’s easier for them to donate right there during the event, making it more likely you’ll see a boost in contributions.

To pull off a successful live stream, keep a few things in mind. 

  • Make sure your tech is reliable—this includes your camera, microphone, and a solid internet connection. 
  • Promote your stream ahead of time so people know when to tune in. 
  • During the event, interact with your viewers through live chat or by mentioning them by name when they donate. 
  • After the stream, send out clips or highlights to remind everyone of the impact they’ve made.
  • Use a countdown or live donation goal during the stream. Watching the donations rise in real-time can motivate people to give more.

Don’t forget to pin the campaign link on the comments section or on the livestream description.

Pro tip: Partner with an influencer or local celebrity to join your live stream. Their involvement can give your event more visibility and attract more viewers.

Section 4: Inspiring Storytelling

4.1 Share Impact Stories

Sharing stories of people who’ve directly benefited from your organization can make a big difference in how donors connect with your cause. It's one thing to talk about your mission, but putting a face and a story to your work can make it real for your audience. 

Instead of just saying how donations help, show it. If you run a food pantry, share the story of a family who no longer goes to bed hungry because of your support. Or, if your Giving Tuesday campaign focuses on education, you could share how a student went from struggling to excelling with the help of the scholarships provided by your organization.

These personal stories give your cause a heartbeat, something people can relate to. They help your audience see the actual results of their donations. It's not about big numbers; it's about showing real change.

Pro Tip: Use videos or photos to bring your stories to life. A study found that visual content gets 94% more views than text-only content, and social media posts see 150% more engagement compared to those with just text. (Source)

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Section 5: High-Impact Fundraising Ideas for Your Next Giving Tuesday Campaign

5.1 Mystery Box Donation

Mystery Box Donations are a fun and exciting fundraising twist. 

Fill boxes with different items—some could be high-value, like gift cards or gadgets, while others could have smaller items. The catch? Donors don't know what they’ll get when they donate.

To raise funds, you can price the boxes at different levels based on the value of the surprises inside. This Giving Tuesday idea adds a bit of mystery and excitement to your campaign while keeping donors engaged and eager to participate!

Pro Tip: Collaborate with local businesses to get items for your boxes. It keeps costs low and helps build community connections.

5.2 Give Back in Kind

Not everyone can give money, but that doesn’t mean they can’t contribute. 

About 63 million Americans volunteer regularly, giving their time and skills to causes they care about. (Source) For Giving Tuesday, your organization can ask people to give back in kind. 

Ask volunteers to help with specific tasks, such as organizing events, managing social media, or spreading the word about your Giving Tuesday campaign ideas.

Provide options for supporters to donate their time or expertise. You could even ask local businesses to donate services, like free printing or venue space, in exchange for recognition.

With this Giving Tuesday idea, your nonprofit can save money, which will ultimately increase funds for your cause.

Pro Tip: Create a volunteer appreciation event. Thanking those who give their time builds a stronger connection and might lead to future donations. Highlighting the impact of their work will also encourage others to get involved.

Check out Proven Strategies for Maximizing Success in Your Giving Tuesday Campaign to boost your efforts and make the most of this important day.

5.3 Donations on Behalf of Others

Donations to let people give on behalf of someone they care about. Instead of a traditional gift, they can donate to your cause in someone else’s name. It’s like passing on the joy of giving to others, making it a unique way to celebrate any occasion.

To raise funds, you can offer virtual gift cards during the Giving Tuesday campaign through your website, email campaigns, or social media. Make it simple in both the message and for people to choose a donation amount.

Pro tip: Considering to offer digital versions of these allows for a faster, more convenient option. It’s a great way to reach last-minute givers who want to make a difference with a few clicks.

5.4 Flash Fundraiser for Urgent Needs

A flash fundraiser is all about speed and urgency. You pick a pressing need—maybe it's funding for emergency supplies or a time-sensitive project—and set a goal to meet it within a few hours. 

The key is making the timeline short, whether 2, 6, 12, or 24 hours. This sense of urgency can motivate people to take quick action.

To raise funds, use social media, email blasts, and text messages to spread the word. Keep updates coming throughout the day so everyone feels the momentum building. A progress tracker showing how close you are to reaching the goal can also encourage last-minute donations.

Pro tip: Highlight how immediate action will make an impact. People are more likely to give when they feel their donation will make a difference today. 

5.5 Donation Station 

Use the spirit of Giving Tuesday and get noticed. A “Donation Station” is a simple way to engage people in-person. 

Set up a table at a local coffee shop, bookstore, or any community business where foot traffic is steady. People can stop by, learn about your cause, and donate right then and there. Offer small thank-you perks, like stickers or postcards, to make it more memorable.

To raise funds, partner with businesses that align with your mission. Make sure to have clear signage explaining how the donations will be used. Promote the station through local social media groups and neighborhood apps to draw people in.

Pro tip: Consider setting up multiple stations across town to reach different crowds. It adds a local touch to your Giving Tuesday campaign ideas and makes it easier for more people to get involved.

5.6 Team Up with Micro-Influencers

One of the best Giving Tuesday campaign ideas is to team up with micro-influencers who are already invested in your cause. About 9 out of 10 U.S. Americans follow influencers or content creators online, which makes this a powerful way to reach new donors. (Source)

Micro-influencers have smaller but loyal audiences who trust their recommendations. Partnering with them lets you tap into new groups of donors without spending on marketing.

Ask these influencers to run mini-campaigns on their social media to raise funds. They can share why your cause matters to them and encourage their followers to donate. 

Pro tip: Focus on micro-influencers who live in your community or share your mission’s values. This makes their support feel more authentic and can lead to long-term partnerships, not just a one-time boost for your Giving Tuesday ideas.

5.7 Matching Gift Hour

Matching Gift Hour is a simple but effective way to boost your Giving Tuesday campaign. Pick one hour during the day when any donation made will be matched by a sponsor or partner. 

The goal is to drive excitement and encourage donors to give more within that window, knowing their contribution will go twice as far. It’s a win-win for everyone involved.

To get started, reach out to local businesses or major supporters who might be interested in matching donations. Promoting the matching hour through social media, emails, and your event page can help build anticipation and remind people to take advantage of the opportunity.

84% of donors are more likely to give if their donations get matched. Also, one in three donors say they would give a larger amount when a match is available, so don’t underestimate the impact of this simple idea. (Source)

Pro tip: Create a countdown or live tracker to show how much has been raised during the Matching Gift Hour. Seeing that progress can motivate people to donate more before time runs out.

5.8 Crowdfunding

Don't forget one of the best fundraising methods on the big day! Crowdfunding is a great way to get your community involved and raise money for your Giving Tuesday campaign. 

It works by creating an online page where anyone can donate. You can easily share it through social media, emails, and even word-of-mouth. The best part is that it’s a group effort—small contributions from many people can add up to something big.

To make the most of it, keep your message simple and personal. Tell people why you’re raising funds and how their donations will make a difference. 

Since $9,237.55 is the average amount raised by a nonprofit crowdfunding campaign, you can aim to hit that target or even go beyond. (Source)

Pro tip: Create a free crowdfunding page using BetterWorld and keep all the funds you raise without compromising on the features and benefit from really helpful features instead - like our fundraising Thermometer that updates automatically throughout the campaign.

Adding crowdfunding to your Giving Tuesday ideas gives people an easy way to support your cause, no matter the size of their donation.

Get the Best Out of This Giving Tuesday for Free with BetterWorld

Looking to make the most of your Giving Tuesday campaign without spending a dime? 

BetterWorld offers a free Online Donation Platform that helps you maximize your impact. You can create a donation page, set up an online auction, or engage with donors in meaningful ways—all without any extra fees cutting into your funds.

Our Donor Management Software provides a seamless experience to engage and activate donors of all ages. You’ll have everything you need to track donations, manage donor relationships, and keep people excited about your mission. 

It’s perfect for nonprofits looking to boost their Giving Tuesday ideas and keep their campaign running smoothly. 

Set up your campaign within 5 minutes! Want to see how it works? Sign up today for free and take your Giving Tuesday campaign to the next level!

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Colin Hunter
AUTHOR

About Colin Hunter

Colin Hunter is the cofounder of BetterWorld, where he leads initiatives to expand reach and impact. Previously, he cofounded and served as CEO of luxury custom menswear brand Alton Lane. Colin’s experience as a consultant with Bain & Company, working with Global 1000 companies, shaped his approach to leadership and growth. He holds a BA from the University of Virginia and studied in Oxford, England. Colin lives in Scottsville, Virginia with his wife and three daughters.

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