Giving Tuesday: Everything you need to know

If Black Friday and Cyber Monday leave a bad taste in your mouth, that whiff of unrepentant capitalist and consumerist excess makes your stomach turn, then just hold on for what comes next: Giving Tuesday.

It’s the day set up to cast off our shield of selfishness and think purely of others. So how do you do that? Here’s everything you need to know.

What is the meaning of Giving Tuesday?

Giving Tuesday is a day for thinking of others and supporting the communities, organisations or individuals who might need it. In short, it’s a day for doing some good. A day — you guessed it — for giving.

The founders call it radical generosity and the mission is to give to bring about systemic change.

What do you do on Giving Tuesday?

Whatever you like! As long as it’s being generous for a good cause, no matter how big or small.

The official Giving Tuesday website recommends giving your time, giving some money, donating something, buying something or campaigning for something, but there are no rules as long as giving comes first.

“Whatever your something, it’s easy to do something for a cause that’s close to your heart,” says the UK part of the organisation in a promo video.

And even though the cost of living crisis might have tightened purse strings across the country, there are always ways to give which don’t involve money.

We’ve pulled together a list of ideas that might help.

Your support changes lives. Find out how you can help us help more people by signing up for a subscription

When did Giving Tuesday become a thing?

Giving Tuesday started in 2012 in the US to fall on the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving, which always falls on the fourth Thursday in November. It was set up by the United Nations Foundation and New York’s 92nd Street Y, a social club, as a counter balance to the unbridled consumerism of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. 

Since then it has spread around the world to dozens of countries uniting millions of people on a mission to give.

Does the UK do Giving Tuesday?

The UK was one of the first countries to adopt Giving Tuesday after its spread in the US, joining the movement as an official partner in 2014.

It launched with more than 800 partners across the country and is now led by the Chartered Institute of Fundraising to work with charities and other organisations across the country.

How many countries celebrate Giving Tuesday?

Giving Tuesday is celebrated in more than 80 countries, according to the Giving Tuesday website, with more joining every year.

Is Giving Tuesday worth it?

We get it, times are tough. But the great thing about giving is that it doesn’t have to cost anything, and even the smallest bit of generosity can definitely be worth it.

Think of all the times someone has given you something, even if it’s just some of their time or a helping hand. 

Get the latest news and insight into how the Big Issue magazine is made by signing up for the Inside Big Issue newsletter