Why Giving Tuesday Should Be Part of Your Giving Plan

Why Giving Tuesday Should Be Part of Your Giving Plan

by | Nov 22, 2016 | #GivingTuesday, Charitable Giving, Donor Impact, Donor-Advised Funds, Featured |

Giving Tuesday was started in 2012 in a partnership by the 92nd Street Y and the United Nations Foundation to create an international day of giving during the busy holiday shopping season. Since 2012, Giving Tuesday (#GivingTuesday) has become a powerful movement supporting giving and creating a culture of philanthropy.   Since its inception, charities have seen large increases in both donor participation and dollars given per-donation. In 2015, charities saw a 155% increase in donations over 2014, bringing in over $117 million dollars. While that represents only a fraction of annual giving to charities, it does represent the largest single day of online giving. Giving Tuesday is helping charities increase the number of donors and reach the increasingly important millennial generation. The social nature of giving on Giving Tuesday makes it a great way to introduce charitable giving to children and teens.   So, this coming Giving Tuesday, November 29, 2016, take a moment to give to your favorite charities. If you have the money to spare, start up a donor-advised fund. It makes giving easy, it makes doing your taxes easier without the need to keep track of various tax receipt letters, and it forces you to think about how much you want to give in total, rather than to any given recipient. The Advise Us Fund is itself a 501(c)3 non-profit and you can donate to us here or contact our...
A Charity’s Reflection on Giving Tuesday

A Charity’s Reflection on Giving Tuesday

by | Dec 1, 2015 | #GivingTuesday, Donor Impact, Donor-Advised Funds |

As founder of The Advise Us Fund, I recognize the power of giving. Since starting this nonprofit organization, I’ve seen firsthand that philanthropy makes our communities stronger by helping those in need and supporting causes that are closest to our hearts. We are all motivated by these passions, and The Advise Us Fund is how I exhibit what’s closest to my heart: philanthropy.   Giving Tuesday is an opportunity for us all to be called into action and give back to our communities. We do so by giving to the philanthropic causes that make a difference in our lives. As a founder of a charity that serves other charities and causes, I find it fulfilling to see the act of giving recognized. Without it, no charity would exist. If you are involved in making charities thrive, whether by supporting them, guiding gift-giving clients, or stewarding the organizations, take time today to reflect and give thanks for giving and our culture of giving.   TO DONORS who are thinking about your giving, take advantage of our Charity Navigator search feature on our evaluate charities page. Or go directly to Charity Navigator or GuideStar to review the charities you are considering to support. It is worth the time to know more about what you are supporting as there are lots of choices and limited resources.   TO FINANCIAL PROFESSIONALS, please know that your role in the philanthropic world is essential. The tools available to donors today are the most sophisticated and complex we have ever seen. Your guidance and stewardship of your client’s giving spirit often provides the spark that makes...