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National Day of Giving

Spread kindness and joy on National Day of Giving! Your smallest act of giving can mean the world to someone. Let's make a difference together!

Tuesday

December 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEGiving Tuesday (Thanksgiving + 5)

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYAwareness

SUBCATEGORYPhilanthropy

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Welcome to National Day of Giving on December 3, a day dedicated to generosity and goodwill! This globally celebrated day, known colloquially as #GivingTuesday, started in 2012 by the 92nd Street Y and the United Nations Foundation as a response to the rampant consumerism of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. It's a day where everyone, everywhere can do something to support the good causes that mean so much to them. Whether you choose to donate money, volunteer your time, or merely perform a random act of kindness, every little helps. Let's harness the potential of this day and make a powerful difference in our communities, one small act at a time!

TIMELINE

National Day of Giving Timeline

Inception of GivingTuesday

The 92nd Street Y and the United Nations Foundation initiated the first National Day of Giving, known as #GivingTuesday.

Global Expansion Begins

#GivingTuesday expands to Canada, marking the start of its international growth.

Official GivingTuesday Organization Established

GivingTuesday becomes an independent organization to drive the global movement.

First $100 Million Milestone

Charitable donations on #GivingTuesday surpass $100 million for the first time.

Recognition and Adoption by Big Brands

Facebook, PayPal and other major companies start offering donation matching, enhancing the impact of #GivingTuesday.

Record-Breaking Donations Amid Pandemic

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, #GivingTuesday 2020 sees record-breaking donations, demonstrating the resilience of generosity.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Day of Giving

Organize a charity event

Whether it’s a bake sale, a charity run, or a fundraising concert, an event designed to raise funds for a good cause is a terrific way to celebrate the National Day of Giving. It’s fun, communal and directly beneficial to the good cause of your choosing.

DONATE

Donate to your favorite charity

What better way to give back than to support organizations doing important work? Pick one or more of your favorite charities and make a donation. Even small amounts can have a significant impact when we all give.

VOLUNTEER

Volunteer your time or skills

Time is often more valuable than money, and many organizations need volunteers either consistently or for special events. On this day of giving, consider dedicating a few hours to a cause you care about.

SEND

Send a thoughtful gift

Giving doesn't always involve money. Consider sending a thoughtful gift to someone in need or someone you know who's going through a tough time. It could be anything from a book to a basket of home-cooked meals, or even a handwritten letter of encouragement.

PERFORM

Perform random acts of kindness

Sometimes the smallest acts can have the biggest impacts. Pay for the coffee of the person behind you in line, offer to help an elderly neighbor with groceries, or simply share a smile with a stranger. Remember, kindness is irresistible!

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why National Day of Giving is Important

Encourages kindness

The National Day of Giving prompts us to perform random acts of kindness, reminding us that even small, personal actions can make somebody's day a little brighter. It allows us to spread joy through simple gestures and encourages us to bring kindness into every aspect of our lives.

Giving helps our communities

Small acts of giving, whether it be time, finances, or actions, can have incredibly big impacts on our communities. When we give, we are fostering a more compassionate and empathetic society rooted in the belief that everyone has something valuable to contribute.

A response to consumer culture

In the face of Black Friday and Cyber Monday's rampant consumerism, the National Day of Giving provides a welcome antithesis that reminds us of what's truly important in life. It's a day to refocus our values on altruism and communal well-being rather than individual consumption.

Related holidays

TUE

Dec 2026

Awareness

Giving Tuesday

Celebrate Giving Tuesday by making a difference! Choose to contribute in your own way, because every act of generosity counts.

World Give Day

On World Give Day, make a difference in someone's life by donating to a cause you care about or volunteering your time. Spread kindness and generosity!

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WED

Jul 2026