Charleston Gears Up for #GivingTuesday: A Day for Generosity
As Charleston prepares to celebrate the great holiday season, marked by the hustle and bustle of Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday, there’s a special day to keep in mind: #GivingTuesday.
Scheduled just after the shopping frenzy, #GivingTuesday isn’t just a pause for reflection; it’s a day dedicated to giving back to our communities and supporting local nonprofits that work tirelessly to meet the needs of our friends and neighbors. Darrin Goss, President and CEO of the Coastal Community Foundation (CCF), shares the significance of this day, stating, “This our highest volume time of year in terms of what we give in grants as a foundation, as well as contributions to local nonprofits by our donors.”
Donations on the Rise
People may not realize the impact of #GivingTuesday, but it certainly has a massive footprint! Each year, CCF typically sees an incredible 20% of their annual contributions flow through in just the last two months of the year. That’s right; nearly one in five donations happens in this short time frame!
And it’s not just contributions; nonprofit organizations themselves often find that they receive around 30% of their grants during this same pivotal period. Goss notes, “Nonprofits receive a large portion of their annual donations in the months of November and December, so they are counting on year-end giving to meet the needs of our community.” Isn’t it incredible how this season encourages people to give, not just receive?
A Global Movement
For those unfamiliar with its roots, #GivingTuesday was born over a decade ago, aiming to inspire a global culture of generosity. It all began in 2012 at a community center in New York City, and what started as a local awareness campaign has flourished into a worldwide phenomenon that now spans nearly 100 countries. Last year alone, nonprofits across the United States raised a stunning $3.1 billion in contributions on this day dedicated to philanthropy!
Mayci McLeod from CCF emphasizes the values showcased through this movement, saying, “The holidays serve as a reminder of values like generosity and gratitude. This creates an opportunity to consider how you can best serve your community, with your time, talent, and treasure all being impactful contributions to nonprofits in our region.” It’s a beautiful reminder that giving back can be just as fulfilling as receiving.
Getting Kids Involved
One important aspect that CCF stresses is the significance of involving children in the spirit of giving. Research indicates that children who are taught about charitable giving by their parents are 20% more likely to become generous adults! Wouldn’t it be wonderful to instill these values in the next generation?
Ways to Participate in #GivingTuesday
If you’re wondering how to get involved this #GivingTuesday, you’re in luck! Here are six fun and rewarding ways to make a difference:
- Donate to a local nonprofit that resonates with your heart.
- Volunteer your time to help those who are in need.
- Organize a food drive in your neighborhood.
- Attend community fundraising events to support local efforts.
- Encourage friends and family to join you in your giving activities.
- Share your #GivingTuesday story on social media to inspire others.
For even more inspiring ideas on how to give back, you can visit givingtuesday.org. Let’s make this holiday season about more than just shopping—let’s fill it with acts of kindness and generosity that stretch well beyond our families and communities!
So, Charleston, as you gear up for your holiday shopping, don’t forget to set aside a moment to embrace the spirit of giving next Tuesday. It’s a wonderful opportunity to spread joy, support those in need, and make our city a better place.
