Whether you’re type A or type B, the reality is you need to make a plan if you want to be successful on GivingTuesday, no matter how you define success.  

So, regardless of if this is your first time hosting a campaign or you’re a seasoned pro, take your first steps with us right now. Running a GivingTuesday campaign doesn’t need to be complicated or overwhelming. Let’s simply put one foot in front of the other. 

Here are five essentials to make your GivingTuesday campaign a success:

1. Tell Your Story Clearly 

Making it easy for people to relate to your story and your mission is key. Especially when sharing your story on social media—think about how you can cut down long-form content, like a blog, into a carousel or series of tweets that artfully promote your impact. When planning out your content, craft a specific narrative about the people you serve and how your organization is making a big impact. Then, tie that directly to how donors and volunteers make it possible. 

This will reinforce how their support is critical to making your mission a reality. People inherently want to help and solve problems, so make it easy for them to join in. 

When creating your storytelling content, mix up the formats you use. Look at your performance data, such as views, likes, shares, or clicks on each post type, to see which formats resonate most with your audience. This will help you decide how much time to invest in videos versus graphics, blogs, or emails.

2. Set a Realistic, Yet Challenging Goal (or Goals!) 

Whether your goal is to raise funds, boost awareness, or rally support, setting that benchmark will be key in keeping you and your team motivated on GivingTuesday (and throughout the giving season). Once set, consider how you can get your audience energized to make it happen. Check out our library of Canva templates that include ways for you to visualize goals ahead of, on, and beyond the most generous day of the year.  

ACCESS THE CANVA TEMPLATES

Keep in mind that people often give in multiple ways on GivingTuesday too; that might be an important consideration for you. 

Need some inspiration? Check out how Partridge Creek Farms set a base goal and a stretch goal to keep energy high. (Spoiler alert: they crushed both!) 

3. Mobilize Your Inner Circle

Who better to galvanize than the people who are already interested and connected to your mission? When prepping for your GivingTuesday campaign, go through your list of tactics and goals and pinpoint who can help you make it happen. 

For example, if your goal is to boost awareness on social media, do you have a board member or volunteer who’s passionate about marketing? Reach out to them and see if they’d be willing to lend a hand and share their skills. 

Related to this, if you’re hosting an event and struggling to build attendance by only promoting on social media, look at your email and texting list. That audience is clearly invested in your work, they already gave you their email and phone number. This list is much more likely to RSVP for your next event or webinar.

4. Create Content That’s Delightful + Shareable 

What makes your organization unique? Do you have a quirky backstory or story that will make you stand out? Embrace that! 

We know, all too well, that social media and digital marketing generally can be a tricky place to stand out. Especially if you’re a nonprofit with a tight budget. This is where uniqueness can become your superpower. It will set you apart and make your content memorable. A great example of a unique story we’ve recently encountered is Lasagna Love. The now global team of volunteer chefs makes it easy for people to give back by eliminating red tape and sticking to the basics of generosity. 

Their uniqueness comes from its focus on human connection—anyone can join in, and each meal brings people together while spreading kindness far beyond their own neighborhoods.

5. Don’t Stop! Keep Going After December 2

GivingTuesday shouldn’t be your end-all be-all approach to the giving season. Research shows that donors and volunteers acquired on this day are “sticky” in that they stay around and give more over time. 

But that doesn’t mean you stop communicating after the most generous day of the year. GivingTuesday is a year-round movement after all. 

So, when the dust settles on December 3, make sure you’re following up and keeping in touch with your new fleet of supporters! To prepare, consider having your thank-you notes ready to go and your recap newsletters drafted along with any future ask letters or other collateral, ahead of time, so they’re sent out on time. Social media can also be a perfect place to schedule out drip content once you have your numbers ready. People want to know how their support collectively made an impact, so don’t hesitate to celebrate!

Top Tips for Activating Your Community: GET THE TOOLKIT

Looking for more? Here area few GivingTuesday Quick Facts 

• You do not need to register: While it varies locally where some larger GivingTuesday campaigns may require registration, you do not need to register to participate in GivingTuesday with us. 
• GivingTuesday is a global generosity movement and independent nonprofit organization mission-bound to support the power of people and organizations to transform communities around the world.
• While GivingTuesday, the organization exists year-round, the annual celebration of generosity will happen on December 2, 2025. 

More resources to guide your next steps:

• The First Steps for Getting Ready for GivingTuesday (GivingTuesday)

• Goal setting for GivingTuesday (GivingTuesday)

• 10 tips to make the most of your campaign (GivingTuesday) 

• What is GivingTuesday? A Nonprofit’s Guide to a Global Giving Movement (BlackBaud)

• Retaining First Time Donors this GivingTuesday (BlackBaud)