5 Last-minute Giving Tuesday actions that can still boost donations

If you're feeling behind on Giving Tuesday—you're not alone. Even well-prepared nonprofits often find themselves scrambling in the final stretch. The good news?

There’s still time to make a meaningful impact.

Here are 5 last-minute actions you can take today to drive more donations, increase engagement, and end Giving Tuesday strong.

1. Send one clear, simple “All-In” email (right now)

If you only do one thing today—make it this.

Most donors give because they were asked. Last-minute emails consistently perform extremely well because inboxes are flooded and urgency is high.

• Keep it short and emotional
• Lead with the impact (“Your gift feeds a family tonight…”)
• Use a bold button CTA
• Add a PS reminding donors the window closes at midnight
• Link to a fast, mobile-optimized donation form

Pro tip: Add a “Suggested Gift” section—$25 / $50 / $100—boosts conversion 10–20%.

2. Share a quick video on social (30–60 seconds)

You don’t need a studio. Grab your phone and hit record. Here’s an outline of what to cover:

• Why Giving Tuesday matters
• Who donors help today
• What impact you can make together
• A simple CTA (“Donate at the link in our bio”)

Authentic, unpolished video performs better on Giving Tuesday than produced content. Donors respond to real emotion—fast.

Pro tip: Upload natively to Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Don’t rely on cross-posting.

3. Ask your board & inner circle to share your campaign

Your warmest network can create the biggest last-minute boost. Send them a pre-written text message and social caption they can copy/paste to their channels:

“Today’s the day! I’m supporting [Nonprofit] for #GivingTuesday. If you can, join me in making a difference: [Link]”

Giving Tuesday is extremely social. Personal endorsements convert way better than organizational posts.

Pro tip: Give your board a simple goal—“3 shares + 3 texts”—and watch the multiplier effect kick in.

4. Add a one-day match or challenge (even a small one)

It doesn’t have to be huge—just real. Here are some suggestions to consider:

• A donor matches the next $5,000
• A business partner doubles gifts for the next hour
• Board match unlocks if 50 donors give
• “Triple impact” power hour

Matched giving increases conversion 2–3x. It adds urgency, competition, and a reason to give now.

Pro tip: Put “MATCH ACTIVE” at the top of your donation form and social posts.

5. Use SMS for a final evening push (conversion gold)

Text messages have nearly 100% open rates and drive some of the highest Giving Tuesday donations. Here’s what to send:

A simple, one-sentence text:

“It’s not too late—your Giving Tuesday gift helps [impact]. Give before midnight: [Link]”

People are on their phones in the evening scrolling social, watching TV, or wrapping up their day. A gentle nudge works wonders.

Pro tip: Check your SMS sending limits now so you’re not scrambling at 11:45pm.

You still have time. Make it count.

Giving Tuesday happens fast—but the organizations that act decisively in the final hours often see the biggest lift.

Want expert advice or someone to help you take a look at your donation forms to make sure they’re up to speed before the end of year? Book a campaign assessment with one of our experts today.