Real quick! If GivingTuesday snuck up on you this year, don’t worry. First step is to put GivingTuesday 2026 (December 1, 2026) on your calendar to best prepare for next year. Second, dive into this quick Week 12 recap to grab the tools you need to make the most of GivingTuesday, coming up on December 2nd.

Over the last eleven weeks, we’ve been dishing out weekly updates, ready-to-use templates, expert advice, and step-by-step ideas to help you build a meaningful, fun, community-driven GivingTuesday campaign. This week, we’re pulling the most important resources into one place so you can take any necessary last-minute steps quickly and confidently.

Before you jump in, make sure you’re set up with these essentials:

• Our Canva Templates for social posts, emails, website graphics, in supporter outreach

• The full 12-week series on the 2025 Participate Page

• Our newsletter, where you’ll get new tools, examples, and updates all year long

Through the series, we’ve covered the basics, debunked myths, showed you how to use our Canva templates and even touched on digital fundraising with tips from industry experts like Dana Snyder and Julia Campbell. Plus, look out for more content coming up with Rhea Wong, who you might remember from our collaboration last year. 

Again, for quick access to the full series, visit the 2025 Participate Page. 

With One Week to Go, Remember This

With just one week left until the big day on December 2nd, if you take one thing away from this resource let it be this: have FUN.

GivingTuesday is all about making connections, celebrating community, and building a stronger, more generous movement of every day givers. This starts with one simple act, one kind gesture, or one donation. Make the most of this global day and let the energy spill over into the rest of your giving season.

After all, we know people who participate in GivingTuesday stick around, give more, and give often. Plus, 86% of people who were simply aware of GivingTuesday said it inspired them to give. Don’t miss your chance to tap into the hype and build up your base of supporters. 

Top Takeaways From Our 11 Weeks

1. GivingTuesday, the day, is a celebration that inspires generous actions around the world. This year, it’s on December 2nd. 

2. GivingTuesday campaigns will not cannibalize donations. In fact, communities that participate in GivingTuesday will generate more support than those that don’t. 

3. If you’re starting from scratch, consider these five core tips: 

       ➤ Tell a clear, human story

       ➤ Set one realistic but motivating goal

       ➤ Mobilize your inner circle

       ➤ Create content that delights, and doesn’t demand

       ➤ Don’t stop after December 2, keep the momentum going 

4. Your goal(s) for GivingTuesday should be SMART: specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and timely. 

5. You do not have to do this alone. Get your team together and delegate!

6. Want to raise more online? It might be time to polish up your digital approach.

       ➤ Add a simple nurture campaign

       ➤ Grow your thought leadership and mission with LinkedIn

       ➤ Get featured in a gift guide

7. There are many ways to tell your story on and beyond GivingTuesday. Consider what approach will have the biggest impact based on your priority platforms, goals, and timeline. 

8. Find one strong example of your mission in action and make that your campaign anchor. Don’t overcomplicate it.  

9. Great community engagement comes from an honest, kind place. When thinking about how you want to boost involvement, put the needs of your community first. 

10. Yes, you can collaborate last-minute. Influencers, corporate partners, and peers make great collaborators. Just choose one simple shared action you can do together and keep it lightweight.

11. Make the most of your fundraising this giving season with a second round of tips and unique campaign ideas from Dana Snyder.

We’re excited to see what you accomplish next week! Make sure to tag GivingTuesday on social media and use #GivingTuesday to boost your reach and raise awareness of the most generous day of the year on December 2. Email info@givingtuesday.org with your updates and follow us on social media for more tools and inspiration. 

Let’s make this the most generous day of the year, together.