It’s coming. Yes, Giving Tuesday … Now. Another giving day where every organization in our communities asks all of their donors to support them on the same day. Do I think it’s a good idea? I really don’t. We’ve been through this before with Giving Tuesday and other community giving days. Why do we want to ask our donors for support on the same day that every other organization also asks them? Yes, we can raise some money, but is it worth it? Do we want to be just another number or do we want to stand out? Don’t we want to deepen relationships? That’s why I always encourage nonprofit organizations to practice Gratitude Tuesday rather than Giving Tuesday.
So, what do you want to do about Giving Tuesday Now?
As a backstory, the Giving Tuesday organization is doing Giving Tuesday Now on May 5th as a way to generate additional donations in the time of COVID-19. They are doing this to help organizations that are really struggling and need that extra infusion of cash. I understand it’s a noble cause, and it’s needed. But might it be better to do our own thing? Might it be better to thank on Giving Tuesday Now and ask the week before, before the flood of solicitations comes out? Do what you need to do. If you truly have an urgent need, then please ask. If you don’t have an urgent need, I think it might be in your best interest to offer gratitude and wait this one out.
This week’s free resource is a great article by my friend Julia Campbell. She gives you some suggestions on things you can do to engage your donors on Giving Tuesday Now, other than asking …
