What Is Giving Tuesday? Your 2026 Guide

It is always the Tuesday after Thanksgiving in the United States, so the dates follow that rule:

The day was created in 2012 at the 92nd Street Y's Belfer Center for Innovation & Social Impact in New York, in partnership with the United Nations Foundation. The idea was simple: after two days focused on shopping, set aside one day for giving back. It spread through social media under the hashtag #GivingTuesday. In 2019 it became an independent nonprofit organization, and it is now celebrated in many countries.

According to the GivingTuesday Data Commons, Americans gave an estimated $4.0 billion on the 2025 day of giving. That is up from $3.6 billion in 2024. An estimated 38.1 million people took part in the US, by giving money, donating goods, volunteering, or speaking up for causes. Source: GivingTuesday 2025 results.

1. 1
   Give to a cause you trust. Choose an organization whose work and finances you can check. Embrace Relief publishes its audit reports and facts and figures.
2. 2
   Check for an employer match. Many employers match employee donations, which can double your gift. Ask your HR team or check your company's giving portal.
3. 3
   Start a fundraiser. Ask friends and family to give with you. Even a small group can fund a cataract surgery, which costs $120.
4. 4
   Volunteer. Give your time to a local food drive or community project. Our local chapters organize events across the US.
5. 5
   Share. Tell people why a cause matters to you. Speaking up counts, too.

A gift on December 1 counts for the 2026 tax year. New for 2026, you can deduct up to $1,000 in cash gifts even if you don't itemize ($2,000 for married couples filing jointly). See our 2026 charitable tax deduction guide and year-end giving 2026.