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When Is Giving Tuesday 2025 and What’s It All About?

what is giving tuesday? volunteers packing bags for charity

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When the holidays come around each year, we have so many opportunities to show loved ones our gratitude. We look forward to spending quality time with dear friends and family, hosting dinner parties and gift exchanges, and celebrating the season with the ones we cherish most. But it’s also the perfect time to give back. Between toy drives and holiday volunteer opportunities, there’s no shortage of ways to spread that same holiday magic in your own community. Giving Tuesday is a day of celebration for just that—showing kindness and generosity to those who need it most.

After all the excitement of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, this special day shifts the focus from shopping to selflessness. It’s dedicated to community-driven acts of service that help families in need during the holiday season and support causes that matter. So, whether you’re donating household items, volunteering your time, or hosting a local coat drive to help folks stay warm, every act of kindness counts and can make a real difference. Want to know how to celebrate this day of giving? Keep reading to explore the inspiration behind Giving Tuesday and some ways you and your loved ones can get involved. Together, we can inspire others to join in on the generosity, fostering community and making the holiday season a little brighter for everyone. 

What is Giving Tuesday?

Giving Tuesday is a global movement that encourages people to engage in acts of kindness and generosity. On the Giving Tuesday site, they state: “Generosity is uplifting, generative, equalizing, and connecting. We believe that each and every act of generosity is a worthy act in and of itself.”

The movement was started by the 92nd Street Y (a global cultural and community center) in New York City in 2012 under one simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good for others during the holiday season. It has since grown into a worldwide day of giving. On this day, individuals, families, and organizations come together to support their communities through donations, volunteering, and spreading awareness about important causes. It’s all about harnessing the power of community spirit and making a positive impact.

When is Giving Tuesday 2025?

Giving Tuesday takes place on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving. This year, Giving Tuesday falls on December 2, 2025.

Who participates in Giving Tuesday?

Anyone can join in during Giving Tuesday! Individuals, small businesses, big corporations, nonprofits, and everyone in between has the ability to do good and give back to their community. For individuals, this might look like volunteering or donating; for businesses, this might look like donation matching or hosting events for fundraising. You can explore what’s happening in your own community this Giving Tuesday by researching local nonprofits, or consulting this list of GivingTuesday community groups for more information.

What are some ways I can celebrate Giving Tuesday?

There are plenty of meaningful ways to celebrate Giving Tuesday. You can donate to nationwide charities like Habitat for Humanity, which helps families build and improve places they call home, or support Feeding America, which fights hunger across the U.S. Another great option is to volunteer at a local shelter or food bank, where your time can make a direct impact on those in need. You can also organize a fundraiser with friends or family, encouraging everyone to contribute to a cause close to their hearts.

Remember, every little bit helps, and your generosity can inspire others to join in! Even posting about your actions on social media and using a simple hashtag—#GivingTuesday—spreads the word and encourages others to do the same.

Are there any resources I should know about?

For more information on how to join in on Giving Tuesday, you can visit the official website here. The site offers a wealth of resources, including ideas for participation and a list of featured charities. Social media platforms are also great for sharing your experiences and discovering new causes to support—just use the hashtag #GivingTuesday to connect with others. You can also consider checking out local community boards or websites like VolunteerMatch, where you can find opportunities to lend a helping hand in your area. Let’s make this Giving Tuesday a day to remember!

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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Tierney McAfee

Tierney McAfee is a writer and editor with a passion for all things home, lifestyle, and entertaining. Her work has been featured in People, Country Living, The Pioneer Woman, The Spruce, and more, covering everything from interior design and holiday decor to DIY projects and the best products for home and lifestyle. Always in search of the next big trend or hidden gem, Tierney is all about transforming inspiration into style. When she’s not busy writing, she’s testing out new recipes, hunting for vintage treasures, or plotting her next outfit.

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Bree Pulver

Bree is the Senior Digital Editor at DrewandJonathan.com. In the past, she’s worked for publications focused on home improvement and sustainable living. Bree’s Pinterest board is filled with cozy textures; vintage patterns; sculptural furniture; and moody, warm-toned colors. She has a degree concentrated in the intersection of writing and architecture, which influences her passion for exploring creative solutions to unusual home layouts and stylish renter-friendly decor. She’s a self-proclaimed pro at finding the best antique furniture in the most unlikely of places (but her cat Blue can certainly back these claims).

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