Giving Tuesday, observed on the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving, has evolved into a global movement, inspiring people to make a positive impact in their communities. Whether through traditional methods of giving or by thinking outside the box, there are countless opportunities to make a difference. Here are some ways to give on Giving Tuesday and throughout the holiday season.

Show a Nonprofit Some Love This Giving Tuesday and Holiday Season

There are plenty of ways you can show kindness to others or live an ethical lifestyle, such as supporting small businesses or making eco-friendly choices. However, one of the most powerful ways you can make a difference is to support a nonprofit with a mission you care about. That’s because nonprofits have a wide reach and know how to use your gift wisely so that it has the greatest possible impact. 

You can maximize your impact by supporting a nonprofit that benefits people and the planet in multiple ways, such as:

• Creating jobs in the community
• Using sustainable practices or promoting sustainability in some way
• Operating philanthropy programs that address pressing social needs in your area

One example of an organization that does all of the above is North Shore Exchange (NSE), a nonprofit luxury consignment store with three locations in the greater Chicago metro area.

Below, we’ll explore both traditional and creative methods to give on Giving Tuesday — in ways that work for you.

Traditional Ways to Give

Traditional giving will always be a vital part of community support on Giving Tuesday. These methods are tried and true, providing tangible assistance to nonprofits and individuals in need.

Monetary Gifts

One of the most common ways to give on Giving Tuesday is through monetary donations. Whether you contribute a one-time gift or set up a recurring donation, this direct financial support helps nonprofit organizations continue their vital work. Many charities depend on this kind of funding to cover their operating costs, support their programs, and expand their reach.

Remember, every dollar counts, and even small contributions can make a big difference.

In-Kind Donations

In-kind donations are the gift of material items rather than money. Nonprofits and shelters often need specific goods such as gently used clothing or furniture and other products. Many local organizations offer wish lists where you can see exactly what is needed and make your contribution accordingly.

Organizations such as NSE accept donations of clothes, furniture, and related items (such as designer dust bags and boxes), which they resell to support their charitable mission.

Creative Ways to Give

It’s important to remember that giving back to your community doesn’t have to strain your budget. You can also make a meaningful contribution in other ways. These ideas go beyond material goods, allowing you to give back in ways that reflect your skills, lifestyle, and interests.

Volunteering

One of the most valuable ways to give back is by donating your time. Volunteering is a direct and personal way to help others, and many nonprofits rely heavily on volunteer support to function. 

The beauty of volunteering is that it doesn’t require financial resources — just your willingness to help. It’s also an excellent way to connect with others in your community who share similar passions and goals. Check an organization near you for nonprofit volunteer opportunities that match your skills, interests, and abilities.

Shopping at Nonprofit Stores

A creative and often overlooked way to give is by shopping at nonprofit stores. When you purchase items from nonprofit resale shops, for example, a portion or all of the proceeds go to support charitable causes. 

Choosing resale goods over new ones also helps extend the life of valuable, usable, and even one-of-a-kind items, keeping them out of landfills for as long as possible. Choosing resale merchandise over fast fashion in particular does even more: It keeps your money out of the pockets of big-box corporations that profit from environmentally harmful manufacturing processes and unethical labor practices and instead puts it in the hands of philanthropic organizations that support people and the planet.

Need more reasons to shop for a good cause? Purchasing items from nonprofit stores allows you to get a great deal on things you love — and may not be able to find elsewhere. The kicker? The revenue generated by these stores funds local jobs, community services, and direct support to people in underserved communities.

Leveraging Your Social Network

Social media offers a unique platform for making a difference on Giving Tuesday. By leveraging your social network, you can raise awareness of causes you care about and encourage others to join you in supporting them.

Consider sharing posts about the charities you’re donating to or creating a fundraising campaign on popular social media platforms. By simply reposting or retweeting about a nonprofit’s work, you help spread their message to a broader audience. Many nonprofits also provide graphics and hashtags that make it easy to share their Giving Tuesday campaigns online. A simple act of sharing could inspire others to give or volunteer.

Subscribing to a Nonprofit Newsletter

While subscribing to a nonprofit newsletter might not seem like a traditional form of giving, it can be an incredibly powerful way to support a cause. Nonprofit newsletters keep supporters informed about the nonprofit’s latest initiatives, successes, and challenges. By staying informed and engaged, you’re better equipped to advocate for the causes that matter most to you. 

Giving Tuesday offers countless ways to give back to your community, from traditional methods such as monetary gifts and in-kind donations to creative ideas such as volunteering, shopping at nonprofit stores, leveraging your social network, and subscribing to nonprofit newsletters. However you choose to contribute, every thoughtful act counts. This Giving Tuesday, find a way to give that speaks to you and helps support the people and causes that matter most in your community.

Give Back the Smart Way With NSE

NSE is a nonprofit luxury resale shop that offers preowned and preloved home accessories, designer furniture, clothing, vintage jewelry, and more. Our expert merchandising team carefully inspects all products to ensure authenticity so you can shop for discount luxury items with complete confidence.

By shopping at NSE, you’re truly shopping not just for sustainability but for other humanitarian causes as well. Our philanthropic efforts support Chicagoland charities serving children and families living in poverty. We also offer grants to Chicagoland organizations that address the critical issues of hunger, homelessness, and abuse. Your best holiday deal won’t just be the one-of-a-kind item of your dreams but one you’ll appreciate all the more for its power to do good in your community. 

Please consider donating funds or gently used clothing or furniture of all kinds, as well as designer dust bags and boxes. Alternatively, you can volunteer with us in a variety of roles.

Finally, NSE is also happy to accept your luxe fashion and home items to be sold on a resale basis. We offer complimentary home consultations to help you decide what to consign. If you prefer, you can send photos of your items to us or schedule a Zoom session to discuss the items you’re interested in consigning.

We pay competitive resale rates, so you’ll get the best price for your preloved designer items. We sell 85% of the items we receive, and most of them sell within 30 days at full price.

We also pay out quicker than other resellers, so you’ll get a check for your sold items sooner.