Small Businesses are the lifeblood of our communities. They are the places we work, eat, shop, play, and gather.  Although small businesses are integral to our daily lives, they were (and still are) uniquely affected by the global pandemic. Still, they stand up for their communities and their workers through generosity and action. Every Giving Tuesday, small businesses around the world will once again rally together for those in need.

What is Giving Tuesday?

Key Messages

• Giving Tuesday is a global day of generosity that will take place on Nov 1, 2021.
• As a global generosity movement, Giving Tuesday unleashes the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world.
• Giving Tuesday strives to build a world in which the catalytic power of generosity is at the heart of the society we build together, unlocking dignity, opportunity, and equity around the globe.
• Created in 2012, Giving Tuesday started as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good. Over the past eight years, this idea has grown into a global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity.
• People can show their generosity in a variety of ways during Giving Tuesday. Whether it’s helping a neighbor, advocating for an issue, sharing a skill, or giving to causes, every act of generosity counts.
• Generosity is what brings people of all races, faiths, and political views together across the globe. It gives everyone the power to make a positive change in the lives of others, and is a fundamental value anyone can act on.
• Giving Tuesday emphasizes opportunities to give back to communities and causes, and that allows everyday people to embody social connection and kindness. 
• We all have gifts to give, and with social media, online giving, delivery, mail, and phones, there are unlimited ways to use your generosity to support others.

Ideas for Giving Tuesday Participation

Giving Tuesday includes all types of giving. Some businesses may choose to give a financial contribution to their favorite cause or fundraiser. Others will opt to reach out to neighbors, start an advocacy campaign, or donate goods and extra supplies. If you can show generosity and share kindness, you have something to give!  

In many communities, a Giving Tuesday leader might be organizing efforts to rally the community. If so, connect with them to join forces and amplify voices.  

There are many ways businesses can become a part of this global day of generosity by using their platforms, talents, and resources for good. Some helpful ideas are:

• Launch a fund where others can help your employees and their families.
• Show gratitude and shine a light on your employees and customers by thanking them for their support on your social channels.
• Raise money for an organization or cause you and your employees are passionate about.
• If you have a storefront, coordinate with a local nonprofit to schedule a drive of specific goods.
• Show kindness to your neighbors. Have your employees check on those who are alone, elderly, or may need help with errands.

• Publicly display a sign of support for your community’s essential workers to cheer them up.
• Use your social channels to encourage others to share kindness and be generous.
• If you are a restaurant or a store, make a few extra dishes or package excess inventory to give to those in need.
• Have a team with a special talent or skill? Consider sharing it with others online while fundraising for a nonprofit.
• Ask a “friendly” competitor to co-sponsor a take out dinner with you to send to frontline workers or those in need.

Social Media Ideas for Giving Tuesday

Simple Ways to Spread the Love

• Post an #Unselfie. This is a post on social media that shares a message about why your business gives back and what you are passionate about.
• Create an online fundraiser for your favorite organization, or support current efforts of a nonprofit your business cares about.
• Change your business’s Twitter display name to show your support for a nonprofit or a community.  
• Add a Facebook frame to your profile to show that you’re giving back for Giving Tuesday.
• Add an Instagram donate sticker to your story.
• Share a story about who is inspiring you to help and why your community is important to you
• Use our “Together we…” theme to share ideas about how individuals can team up to help. (see graphics below for ideas!)
• Add a link to a favorite nonprofit in your instagram profile.

• Talk about giving and generosity using the hashtag #GivingTuesday and #ShopSmall.
• Share Giving Tuesday Facebook posts — facebook.com/GivingTuesday.
• Follow Giving Tuesday on Twitter @GivingTuesday, and on TikTok @givingtuesday.
• Post your photos and videos on Instagram: @GivingTuesday.

Giving Tuesday Email Ideas

Email is one of the most effective ways to communicate with your audience this time of year. To make sure your subscribers don’t miss a thing you’re doing this holiday season, we recommend sending a 5-email campaign:

Email #1: Give your subscribers a heads up as soon as you can. Let them know about your special offers on Small Business Saturday and how you’ll be participating in Giving Tuesday.

Email #2: Send a reminder email about a week before the holiday shopping weekend. Make sure to include the date, your specific offer, and everything they need to know about your sale.

Email #3: Send an email on Small Business Saturday. Let your subscribers know about your promotion and how much you value their support.

Email #4: Send an email on Giving Tuesday. Let your audience know about a cause you care about and encourage them to donate or volunteer.

Email #5: Say thank you. Segment your list and say thank you to those subscribers who supported you during Small Business Saturday or Giving Tuesday.

You could even lead a volunteer group and let your audience know your store will be closed so you can spend time giving back to your community. Consumers want to support brands who give to others and do their part to make their community a better place.

Your last email is also a good opportunity to follow up with an exclusive offer. Focus on ways to provide ongoing value to your customers through discount codes, guides, courses, or other types of content that will help them. We want to help you get started, so we created a free email template just for you.

In Store Ideas

Many shoppers are more likely than ever to take their shopping online due to COVID-19. However, it’s still possible your store to see significant foot traffic. Make sure to promote your offers with store signage to encourage shoppers to take advantage of your special discounts.

You can also run a donation drive on Giving Tuesday. Collect non-perishable food or home goods to bring to a nonprofit. Be sure to take lots of photos along the way so your customers can see how big of a collective impact they helped you make.

Sample Messages 

Twitter/Facebook/Instagram/LinkedIn

• We are showing our support for [cause/nonprofit] this November 30th for #GivingTuesday. Together we can heal the world.
• We are proud to stand with people around the world in raising awareness & support for those helping our communities. Join us by giving back this #GivingTuesday: https://givingtuesday.org.
• Join us and millions around the world in giving back, spreading kindness, and showing how together we can be a force for good on #GivingTuesday: https://givingtuesday.org.

Giving Tuesday Canva Graphics

Use these Canva templates and posters + help get the word out about Giving Tuesday.

Make a difference in your community and inspire others to join in!