How do Giving Tuesday and Giving Season Relate to Relief Funds?

November 24, 2021

Every year, November brings shorter days, colder weather, and the start of the holiday season with Thanksgiving. During this time, people all around the United States come together to give thanks for the things they are grateful for in their lives. However, the holiday season also coincides with another important season: giving season. But, what exactly is giving season?

What is Giving Season?

Giving season is a term used to describe the time between Thanksgiving and the end of the year. The holidays are a time to be thankful for what we have, but they are also a time to use what we have to give back and help others. That’s why generosity is at its peak during this time and donors are more likely to make charitable contributions.

Giving season begins on Giving Tuesday—the Tuesday after Thanksgiving—and lasts through December 31st. This is a critical time for nonprofit organizations and charities to receive the crucial funding they need to carry out their missions since around 30% of all giving occurs in November and December. That equates to nearly $128 billion being donated during these months. This is a wonderful way for even the smallest nonprofit to boost their donations and energize their mission for the coming year.

Furthermore, 28% of nonprofits raise between 26–50% of their annual funds from their year-end ask during November and December. Additionally, 11% of all annual giving occurs in the final three days of the year. All of these statistics demonstrate one thing: giving season is a great time to fundraise for important causes.

That’s why organizations that currently sponsor relief funds should also utilize this time to focus on internal fundraising and increasing donations to the relief fund from team members. If you’d like more information about fundraising for the relief fund your organization sponsors or you are interested in establishing a fund, reach out to us at Emergency Assistance Foundation!

Now that we’ve talked about what giving season is, let’s focus more on Giving Tuesday and why it’s so important for nonprofits, charities, and relief funds.

What is Giving Tuesday?

Giving Tuesday is a global movement focused on spreading the importance of generosity and helping others. This year, Giving Tuesday falls on Tuesday, November 30th. Giving Tuesday is one of the largest charitable days of the year. In 2020, nonprofits and charities raised a record $2.47 billion on Giving Tuesday, with an average gift size of $147.

Many nonprofit organizations create specific Giving Tuesday fundraising campaigns that help them get the donations they need to fund their vital work. These campaigns often make use of social media, using hashtags like #GivingTuesday and other tools to reach as many new supporters as possible. Some campaigns even have corporate sponsorships that match any donation made on Giving Tuesday, helping to multiply the total contributions the charity receives.

Giving Tuesday can also be a great way to amplify donations to an established relief fund that your organization sponsors or to establish a fund for the first time. This is a unique way to give back during the holiday season, while also making sure your fellow team members are taken care of in case of an emergency. You can maximize your impact even more by establishing a relief fund with Emergency Assistance Foundation.