Six Ways You Can Participate in #GivingTuesdayNow
Regardless of who you are or where you live, the COVID-19 crisis is making a drastic impact in all of our daily lives. In only a few short weeks, the definition of “normal” has changed for many, especially the nonprofits and businesses serving the communities most disproportionately affected.
But as we all practice social distancing in order to fight the virus, there is one phenomenon that can help unite us: generosity. At a time when we are all experiencing uncertainty, generosity is what brings people of all races, faiths, and political views together across the globe. It gives everyone the power to make a positive change in the lives of others and is a fundamental value anyone can act on.
With this in mind, Strategic Community Partners is proud to help uplift the new #GivingTuesdayNow campaign on May 5, 2020. Traditionally held on the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving, Giving Tuesday has become a catalyst for charitable giving by individuals and businesses. As an emergency response to the unprecedented need caused by COVID-19, the #GivingTuesdayNow campaign is being introduced this year to drive generosity, citizen engagement, business and philanthropy activation, and support for communities and nonprofits around the world. It’s a day for everyone to stand together and give back in all ways, no matter who or where we are.
As a mission-driven organization committed to working closely with non-profits, locally-owned business, and community organizations, we recognize the importance of #GivingTuesdayNow’s goal. With schools, businesses and other services closed during this time of uncertainty, the work of these organizations is even more critical to the well-being of their communities.
Everyone has a role to play for #GivingTuesdayNow. We encourage you to share, uplift, and support organizations working in your community on May 5 in any way you can. Below are some of our favorite giving ideas along with helpful resources you can use share the importance of #GivingTuesdayNow with your networks!
1. Donate to a local nonprofit or community fund
Despite the COVID-19 crisis, many nonprofits are continuing to deliver their essential services to the communities, youth, and families that need them the most. Several organizations have also developed emergency response funds to help further aid those in need. Below are several organizations delivering critical COVID-19 resources and services locally, regionally, and nationally.
Detroit Pheonix Center Youth Emergency Response Fund
DPC is raising funds to ensure vulnerable youth & families have access to essential resources during the COVID-19 crisis.
As our city’s healthcare professionals and first responders work around the clock to help slow the spread of COVID-19, Feed the Frontline Detroit is working to provide them with healthy meals while also supporting local restaurants.
With schools and businesses closed, many people are in need of emergency food assistance in Michigan. Gleaners is continuing to serve its community through drive-up food distribution and School Food Mobile sites.
United Way for Southeastern Michigan Community Response Fund
The United Way for Southeastern Michigan remains committed to providing critical funding to nonprofits serving vulnerable populations, such as seniors, children, and low-income families during this time.
Urban Alliance 24-Hour Giving Tuesday Now Fundraiser
In addition to valuable work experience, Urban Alliance interns also earn regular paychecks from their internship opportunities which often play an important role in their families’ finances. The UA 24-Hour Giving Tuesday Fundraiser helps ensure interns continue to earn both of these valuable resources through these uncertain times.
If you lead a nonprofit or community organization, consider organizing a focused #GivingTuesdayNow campaign with your donors. There is even a free online toolkit complete with social media graphics to help guide you through the campaign creation process.
2. Volunteer your time (virtually!)
While in-person volunteering opportunities are limited during this period, there are plenty of virtual and minimal-contact ways to donate your time. The United Way for Southeastern Michigan has organized an online database of organizations looking for extra assistance.
Additionally, lending pro bono hours to a nonprofit who needs your professional expertise, volunteering to virtually tutor a young student in your community, or taking an hour to call a senior who may be alone during this time are other great ways to give back to your community.
3. Support local small businesses
Small businesses employ nearly half of the nation’s workforce and often play a critical role in the fabric of the communities they are a part of. By supporting a local business or restaurant during this time, you can help ensure their ability to employ members of your community and continue delivering the products and services we depend on. It is also important to support restaurants, coffee shops and other eateries during this time via takeout orders or gift cards for later use. Some of our local favorites include Detroit Sip, Yum Village, Narrow Way, and Cooking with Que!
If you own a small business, download this free toolkit to explore ways you can activate customer and community support for #GivingTuesdayNow.
4. Don’t forget freelancers and creative agencies!
Now is also an important time to support your local freelance professionals like photographers, designers, and branding specialists. With the COVID-19 crisis causing many organizations to slow down, this can be a great time to hire a creative professional to help you strategize, design, and develop projects you or your business may not normally have the capacity to tackle.
Our work has allowed us to partner with several talented individuals and companies for internal and external creative projects. Here are some of our favorites:
Kardiak Films: Professional video and photography services for both corporate projects and social events.
Opus Seven: Offering full-service branding and web development tailored to the needs of your organization or project.
Porter Media Group: A full-service branding, digital, and print marketing agency serving corporations, campaigns, and events.
Reflct Media: Providing photography and videography services to help people of all walks of life tell their powerful stories.
5. Look out for members of your community who are most vulnerable
With COVID-19 posing the greatest threat to elderly and immune-compromised members of our community, many people are unable to make even essential trips to the grocery store or pharmacy. If you know vulnerable individuals in your neighborhood, offer to deliver their essential items and check in on them periodically during this time.
6. Send or share a thank you message
Even in the face of a global pandemic, healthcare workers, post officers, delivery drivers, grocery store workers, teachers, and others are working tirelessly to support their communities and deliver the goods and services we all depend on. Whether it’s a thank you card, post on social media, or verbal affirmation, a sign of appreciation can go a long way during these times.
There is a collection of free digital #GivingTuesdayNow resources available online, making it quick and easy to share your support and spread awareness for the causes you care about.
#GivingTuesdayNow emphasizes social connection and kindness even while we practice physical distancing. We all have gifts to give, and with social media, online giving, delivery, mail, and phones, there are limitless ways to use your generosity to support others.
We encourage you to participate in this global effort on May 5 and share your generosity on social media using the #GivingTuesdayNow hashtag!