4 Questions to Guide You Through Giving Tuesday
The concept of Giving Tuesday is an intentional effort to encourage people to be generous toward charitable causes, especially after just enjoying the sales of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. We want to encourage you to see Giving Tuesday as a way to live missionally, keeping local and global needs in mind.
A Guide to Giving Tuesday
1. Will you give on Giving Tuesday?
A simple "Yes" or "No" will get you out of the gate as you decide if you’ll share some of what you have. Thanks for asking yourself this critical question, and if you answer "Yes," we’re so glad you’ll participate in some way this year!
2. How much will you give?
Once you’ve decided to give, you’ll need to decide how much. Of course, there is no single answer that will work for everyone. Here are just a few options you can consider:
- A particular amount. For example, will you give exactly $20, $100, or $5,000? We recommend picking a simple, round number.
- A percentage. Perhaps you would prefer to give 1% or 5% or 10% of your next paycheck. Or 50% of your entertainment/dining out budget this month? Or a percentage of this month’s dividends?
- The same amount you spent on Black Friday and/or Cyber Monday. This may sound a bit radical, but thinking like this leads us into selfless generosity. You might also consider giving what you saved by shopping during those great sales.
- Give a consistent annual gift. If you gave last year, why not make it a trend by giving it again this year?
- Give again, but with an increase. All of us are facing inflation over time, and charities will be encouraged if you give last year’s amount a little boost to cover ever-rising costs.
There are lots of ways to decide how much you will give, but it’s helpful to have a specific amount in mind. We encourage you to pause here and pray. Jot down a number (or tap it into your phone). Get it in your head, and then move on to the next question.
3. To whom will you give?
You may have some familiar favorites: people or organizations you know already who would be blessed by your generosity. This is a great option that can help build further relationship over time. Scan your inbox over the last month to remind yourself of people and/or organizations that have been in touch with their needs. Here are some further ideas to stimulate your thinking:
- Local and global. There are serious needs in any community: local shelters for women or men, food banks and assistance programs, and hundreds of others. Mission agencies and humanitarian organizations around the world will also benefit from your generosity. Year end gifts like those made on Giving Tuesday can help catalyze and accelerate rescue and relief efforts.
- Short-term and long-term. There are some projects that need to happen right now, and others that will take years to complete – both are worthy considerations.
- Physical and spiritual. Some people are hungry, and at risk of not having adequate shelter. (I live in Canada, where our winters make this a serious concern.) And as Christians, we are burdened even more deeply by the spiritual needs of people. We desire that all will hear the Good News about Jesus’ saving work on the cross. The Great Commission is central to the purpose of believers everywhere.
Again, we encourage you to pause and pray. Let the Lord help you prioritize who to give to and decide how much you will give to each party.
4. How will you give?
- Snail Mail. The vast majority of charities are prepared to receive your donation via cheque in the mail. It takes a little longer to arrive (and adds the cost of a stamp) but is a reliable way to give.
- Credit Card. Most charities with websites will have “giving portals” clearly marked with a “Donate” or “Give Now” button. If not, it’s probably as near as a brief phone call to their office. Be aware that Credit Card companies charge a percentage of your donation (usually 2-3%) for handling. You may be able to “cover” these fees in the payment processing page, or set up a direct E-Transfer to avoid them altogether.
- Giving Apps or Texting. PayPal is increasingly used by charities to help keep fees to a minimum. Also, some telephone companies allow donors to text a donation, and add the donation amount to their mobile phone bill – you’ll need to inquire with your provider to get company-specific details.
You might want the organization or person to know you gave, or maybe not! Many organizations will help you give anonymously, if you prefer.
Once you’ve made your donation, say a quick prayer of blessing: may the Lord guide and bless the use of that donation, and bring good fruit that will last and glorify Him! (John 15:8)
Generosity can be contagious!
While we don’t recommend sharing exact amounts of donations, letting others around you know that you’ve decided to participate in Giving Tuesday can encourage them to do the same. You might do this through simple word of mouth, sharing the ideas at dinner for your family/kids to hear, or even posting on social media to let others know – not for your glory, but to lift awareness and invite others in.
Thanks for taking a little time to read through this brief guide on Giving Tuesday. If you have questions, or would like to include the Global Missions Toolbox in your giving plans, please reach out to our team here: info@globalmissionstoolbox.com.
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