Anyone Can Be a Philanthropist on #GivingTuesday

The biggest global fundraising day of the year is fast approaching. #GivingTuesday is the dedicated fundraising day for the world. There are a number of ways that practically anyone can get involved making a difference. The core driver for this day is social media. On #GivingTuesday, everyone is encouraged to demonstrate via social media how they are supporting charitable causes. You can give your time, money, or voice as you amplify your favorite causes across social media.

#GivingTuesday is scheduled each year for the Tuesday following Thanksgiving Day in the U.S. and the shopping days of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Although #GivingTuesday is scheduled for November 29th this year, it actually kicks off the entire holiday year-end giving season.

For anyone who cares about making the world a better place, there are a number of ways you can get involved.

• Lending your voice. If you support a cause, find out how to promote them on social media. Are they doing anything special around #GivingTuesday? Remember that if you and other donors and supporters promote them on social media to your followers, you’re opening up an opportunity for the organization to thousands of new people.
• #MyGivingStory. This year, #GivingTuesday has brought back #MyGivingStory. Use this hashtag when you post stories about why you give of your time, talent or treasure to charity. Post your story and your picture telling everyone why you support your cause. And, as I always say, make sure to post a compelling image. A picture is worth a thousand words. 
• Supporting #GivingTuesday comes in many forms. You can volunteer and lend your time to your local charity. Remember, many organizations work with limited budgets. They need resources. If you’re good at social media, for example, perhaps you can lend a few hours and give your time helping a nonprofit manage social media. Or, maybe you can help around the office or in one of their programs. Charities will appreciate an extra pair of hands.
• Pro Bono. If you have a particular expertise in marketing, finance, fundraising or another area, you can lend your expertise. Again, most nonprofits operate with limited resources. They can use experts in any of these areas and more. 
• Donate money. Charities always need money. Your financial support, no matter how large or small help organizations cover the costs of operations. Remember that donating a gift of $10 a month for 12 months helps a nonprofit at the end of the year with an additional $120. In other words, every dollar counts.
• #UNSelfie. The #UNSelfie is the counterpoint to your typical selfie. The #UNSelfie is meant to show you in action doing something good. You can post yourself volunteering, donating money or promoting your cause or #GivingTuesday itself. The point of the #UNSelfie is to leverage the power of social media for good.
• Payroll giving. Employee giving has been around for years. And it’s becoming more popular. Many companies offer automatic deductions for charity from an employee’s paycheck.
• Find an event near you. Finally, if you want to become involved, but aren’t sure where to start, find an event near you. You can do so by clicking here.

Author of “Not Your Father’s Charity: How to Dominate Your Fundraising to Create Your Success” (Free Digital Download)

? 2016 Wayne Elsey and Not Your Father’s Charity. All Rights Reserved.