Giving Tuesday 2025: Fundraising Ideas for Nonprofits

3 tips to maximize your results!

By Amanda Kirby, Strategist/Senior Account Director

Fall is almost here! And with it, a cascade of campaign deadlines, event planning and donor communications. While the rest of the world may be thinking about pumpkin spice and holiday shopping, nonprofit fundraisers know what’s really coming: the busiest nonprofit fundraising season of the year. 

Tucked between Thanksgiving and Year-End campaigns is Giving Tuesday. This is an opportunity that nonprofits, including Rescue Missions, can’t afford to miss.  

Why Giving Tuesday Matters 

Now in its 13th year, Giving Tuesday has become a global movement of generosity. And while your organization may be raising funds for Thanksgiving meals, Christmas gifts and urgent Year-End needs, it’s crucial to invest time and energy into this important giving day as well. In fact… 

In 2024, U.S. donors gave a record-breaking $3.6 billion on Giving Tuesday alone.  

• 🌍 100+ countries participate in Giving Tuesday globally 

• 👥 In 2024, 37 million adults in the U.S. took part in some form 

• 💸 Since its launch in 2012, the movement has raised over $16 billion for nonprofits 

Your donors are likely already being asked to give by other organizations on this day. Make sure you’re part of the conversation, and that your mission stands out. 

Here are 3 ways to maximize Giving Tuesday in 2025: 

Giving Tuesday Tip #1: Make It a Match for Your Nonprofit

It’s no secret that Matching Gift Challenges work. They consistently increase both response rates and average gifts, and donors love knowing their impact is doubled. 

Even a modest match can help create urgency and increase visibility. Try framing your match around a tangible impact (like “$1 = 2 meals”).  

Giving Tuesday Tip #2: Focus on a Clear, Tangible Fundraising Goal 

The more specific, the better. Instead of a generic ask, invite your supporters to help meet a need they can visualize. Here are some Giving Tuesday campaign examples from organizations we work with: 

• “Help provide 25,000 meals between now and the end of the year” 

• “Give hope to 75 children with Christmas gifts and winter essentials” 

• “Raise funds to replace all 40 mattresses in the Women’s Shelter” 

Use real numbers. Real stories. Real people. The more tangible the ask, the more likely donors are to respond. 

Giving Tuesday Tip #3: Start Early, and Follow Up 

Don’t wait until Giving Tuesday morning to send your first email. We recommend starting your messaging 2–3 weeks out to build momentum and awareness. 

Here’s a sample Giving Tuesday timeline that your organization can follow and build from:  

• Week of November 10: Launch your teaser or pre-Giving Tuesday email 

• Week of November 17: Post on social media with your campaign goal and match 

• Monday, Dec 1: Send an “early gift” opportunity for those eager to act 

• Tuesday, Dec 2 (Giving Tuesday): Send 2–3 emails throughout the day with progress updates and a final push 

And of course, make sure to thank your donors promptly and personally.  

Bonus Tip: Invite Every Form of Generosity

As GivingTuesday.org reminds us, “Everyone has something to give.” 

Encourage financial support, but also volunteerism, prayer, in-kind donations or simply sharing your message with others. Highlighting these pathways helps engage a wider range of supporters and builds long-term advocacy. 

Looking for more Giving Tuesday ideas? Share volunteer needs, give stats about your impact or spotlight someone who has given back in creative ways. 

Need Giving Tuesday Help? 

BDI is here to help you make the most of your fundraising campaigns. Our team has the tools and experience to drive results. Reach out to your BDI Strategy team, or contact us here. Let’s make this Giving Tuesday 2025 campaign your most impactful yet!