With all the madness and spending that happens on Thanksgiving, Black Friday and Cyber Monday, it is easy to forget about their newer cousin, Giving Tuesday. Since 2012, the Tuesday after Cyber Monday was named Giving Tuesday, to encourage people to make donations to charities, volunteer and support philanthropic efforts.
Last year, #GivingTuesday raised an estimated $45 million and is looking to surpass that amount this year with about double the amount of non-profit organizations that have signed up to participate. Online donations have increased 470% since the birth of Giving Tuesday. Mobile donations are increasing each year as smartphone usage continues to rise. Social media is a popular median to encourage participation for nonprofits and businesses.
In Oregon, we have our own movement #OregoniansGive as a way for residents and businesses to donate to nonprofits. With a goal of $3.9 million this year, everyone is encouraged to participate. To learn more and donate visit oregoniansgive.org