Giving Tuesday takes place on 3 December this year, the first Tuesday after Black Friday and the day after Cyber Monday.
Now in its twelfth year, Giving Tuesday was set up as a charitable response to the consumerism-led event Black Friday. It offers people an opportunity to join a global movement of giving; encouraging them to donate their time or money for a good cause and support the charities they love.
Giving Tuesday holds the record for the most money raised online for charity in 24 hours. In 2020, donations worth £20.2 million were made on Giving Tuesday. There are plenty of ways you can get involved. Here are our top five tips about how you can support the charities you love and make the most of your charitable giving in time for Giving Tuesday 2024.
How to make the most of your giving for Giving Tuesday
1. Re-evaluate Your Giving Goals
Taking time to re-evaluate your giving goals is a valuable practice. In 2 Corinthians 9:7, Paul reminds us, "Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." This verse speaks to the heart of generosity—it’s a decision made with joy and intent. Before Giving Tuesday, you can reflect on where your gifts can do the most good, especially for causes that reflect God’s heart for justice, compassion, and restoration.
This year, consider choosing causes that address emerging needs, both locally and globally. Is there a ministry, a non-profit, or a local charity that aligns with these values and could use a boost? Set aside a few moments in prayer, asking God to guide your generosity to places where it can make the most difference.
2. Create a Giving Account
Having a dedicated fund can revolutionise the way you give, helping you manage charitable donations without strain. The Stewardship Giving Account can simplify this process. By depositing an amount each month, you can be ready to contribute when opportunities arise, be it a special need or an unexpected request for support. In a sense, a giving account is a practical way to stay “prepared in season and out of season” (2 Timothy 4:2).
Moreover, using a Giving Account can reduce the hassle of handling Gift Aid, as Stewardship takes care of this for you, instantly adding the Gift Aid amont where eligible, which means your gifts go further without any extra work on your part. For some, the security of having a portion of funds allocated specifically for generosity can be freeing, helping to nurture a steady, cheerful habit of giving.
If you should hear about an emergency appeal, or a charity who needs some extra support throughout the year, knowing that you have the funds available to bless others in this way can be extremely freeing. Find out how to register for your Giving Account or, if you already have one, sign in and ‘top up’ your account to the required amount.
3. Tick the Gift Aid box
HMRC have reported that around £600m of Gift Aid goes unclaimed each year. Figures provided by the Charity Finance Group further reveal that almost a quarter of eligible donors are not taking advantage of the Gift Aid tax break. This means that charities are missing out on significant sums of money. Claiming Gift Aid can often be a burdensome process for the charities you love, often taking them weeks or even months to claim from HMRC.
With a Stewardship Giving Account, you only need to tick the Gift Aid box once. We add it to your gifts instantly, so your chosen charities get an instant boost and don't have to spend time claiming it. If you are an eligible giver, sign in to your account before Giving Tuesday to make sure the Gift Aid box has been ticked. This will make sure the gifts you make will have the biggest possible impact.
4. Reassess your budget
Generosity begins at home, with good stewardship of our resources. This Giving Tuesday, consider re-evaluating your budget and setting aside a regular amount for giving. Assessing your spending habits can open up opportunities for more intentional generosity. Hebrews 13:16 says, "And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased."
For example, a small lifestyle adjustment—like bringing coffee from home rather than buying it out—can add up over time and free up resources for others. This disciplined approach also reminds us that giving isn’t just about money; it’s about fostering a heart posture of readiness, where every penny spent reflects our commitment to serving others. Setting aside funds for generosity also allows for spontaneity on Giving Tuesday itself, giving you the freedom to respond as needs arise.
5. Streamline your giving for all year round impact
Often, a few charities or causes resonate deeply with us. Instead of sporadic donations, creating a “portfolio” of preferred charities can help keep your giving focused and impactful throughout the yearIf you currently give to multiple charities, or are considering doing so, a Stewardship Giving Account is a simple, quick and easy way to build a giving portfolio. When you want to respond to an appeal, make a regular gift or cancel a standing order, there’s no need to add or manage your bank details on multiple church or charity websites. Bring all your giving into one place, so you can update it as often as you like.
Creating a giving portfolio also gives you the opportunity to pray regularly for the causes and people involved. When our generosity is coupled with prayer, we invite God into the process, fostering a stronger connection between our hearts and the work these charities are doing. As Proverbs 11:25 notes, “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” This reminder reinforces the idea that sustained giving, coupled with prayer, can nourish both the giver and the recipient.
Join a global movement of generosity
Giving Tuesday 2024 provides an opportunity for people to join a global movement of generosity, at a time that can otherwise feel focused on consumerism. We hope these five tips will help you to make the most of your charitable giving in the build up to and during Giving Tuesday this year.
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