Tips for a Successful GivingTuesday

This blog was updated in November 2025.

GivingTuesday continues to be a meaningful moment for nonprofits to connect with supporters, spark generosity, and remind people why their mission matters. Many organizations use the day to launch year-end giving, invite volunteers, or share stories of impact. No matter the size of your organization, GivingTuesday can be successful when there is clear messaging, thoughtful planning, and genuine follow-through.

Every year, we see nonprofits across Muncie and Delaware County participate in ways that align with their mission and capacity. Some organizations fundraise. Some host volunteer activities. Some focus on storytelling and recognition. There is no single right way to show up for GivingTuesday. What matters most is choosing an approach that feels authentic to your organization and meaningful to your community.

1. Think Beyond One Day

GivingTuesday works best when it is part of a larger plan. Instead of focusing on the day alone, consider how the message you share on GivingTuesday can serve as the starting point for your year-end giving communications.

You can do this by:

• Choosing a single story or theme, you will continue into December

• Introducing a goal or vision for the year ahead

• Encouraging supporters to stay engaged through a year-end gift or monthly giving

Keeping your message consistent across email, social media, and events

This helps supporters understand how their generosity creates lasting impact, not just a moment of giving.

2. Plan Your Stewardship Before the Day Starts

How you follow up matters just as much as what you post or ask for. Stewardship turns one-time support into long-term connection.

Prepare in advance:

• A warm thank you email to send within 24 to 48 hours

• A social post focused only on appreciation

• Personal notes, messages, or videos from the board or staff

• A short update later in December, showing early impact or progress

Acknowledging supporters with sincerity helps people feel valued and connected.

DonorPerfect hosted a webinar about planning, scheduling communications, and how to execute the campaign. We definitely recommend that you check this out.

3. Engage with the GivingTuesday official website

Do you want all the latest information on GivingTuesday? Visit the GivingTuesday website for stories, toolkits, and more. They have collected great ideas, including Donation Stations and Blessing Bags. These meaningful ideas go beyond a monetary contribution. 

4. Set Goals That Match Your Capacity

Your GivingTuesday effort does not need to be large to be meaningful. Select goals that are realistic for your team, tools, and timeframe. Your focus may be raising funds, recruiting volunteers, or introducing new supporters to your work.

5. Go Big or Go Home on Social Media

As we mentioned before, GivingTuesday is all about social media, so the majority of your efforts need to be put there! Preparing content ahead of time allows you to use the day to engage with supporters, respond to comments, and show appreciation.

DonorBox gives some tips on how to up your social media game. We have a few tips below, but you can find the full list (plus other ideas!) here.

• Brand your social media accounts with GivingTuesday leading up to the date.

• Mention those who have shared your content and/or donated.

• Be sure to include a link to your donation page with each post!

6. 33+ GivingTuesday Ideas: Expert Tips and Campaigns to Try

Bloomerang put together an amazing list of campaign ideas for GivingTuesday. One of our favorites is the peer-to-peer fundraising idea. This campaign involved your loyal supporters to fundraise on your behalf. People relate to others similar to themselves, so hearing a compelling story from a friend about the effects of an organization may lead them to donate as well.

7. Share Reasons to Give Creatively

The People Concern got people excited for GivingTuesday with a week of content. The organization shared supporter stories during a week-long countdown. Funraise shared about The People Concern and other organizations here.

8. Collaborate on Cross-Organization Initiatives

Consider creating partnerships with other nonprofits for joint initiatives on GivingTuesday. Collaborative efforts can extend your reach and engage a broader audience.

9. Interactive Virtual Events

Interactive virtual events are a unique way to engage your audience on GivingTuesday. Think live streams, webinars, or Q&A sessions. Virtual events can create a sense of community and excitement.

10. Donor Stewardship and Impact Reports

Highlight the importance of donor stewardship by providing transparent impact reports. Showcase how donations made during GivingTuesday have contributed to your organization's goals and projects.

Looking for additional GivingTuesday ideas? Check out this blog post from GlobalGiving. The blog details successful campaigns, why they were successful, and how to replicate them.

We would love to share local GivingTuesday success stories! If you have a campaign you would like to share with us, email us here.