How PTAs can make the most of Giving Tuesday

In 2012, Giving Tuesday started as a day for people to do good. Now, it’s grown into a movement centered around encouraging people to come together and support their favorite causes.

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This annual day of giving happens the Tuesday after Thanksgiving and is the perfect opportunity for PTAs to tap into the generosity of their communities looking to give back during the holiday season.

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There are tons of different ways for people to participate in Giving Tuesday, from giving their time to making donations or using the power of their voice.

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So, whether your PTA gets your supporters involved on Giving Tuesday through a day of service or through a fundraising campaign, you’ll want to make the most out of being part of this global giving movement.

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Why should PTAs be part of Giving Tuesday? 

Because of its established global recognition and alignment with the holiday spirit of gratitude and giving, Giving Tuesday is a perfect time for PTAs to reach out to the entire school community for support. By tapping into this high-visibility movement, PTAs can garner attention and contributions to their fundraising efforts. 

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Many donors are motivated by a heightened sense of generosity around Giving Tuesday, which can result in increased donations and support for PTAs. And, as a one-day event, there’s a sense of urgency that can drive giving. 

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How to create a PTA Giving Tuesday fundraising plan

If you’re ready to go all in on a PTA Giving Tuesday fundraiser or day of service, just like anything else you do, give yourself plenty of time for planning and promotion.

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Think about:

• Setting clear, achievable goals that align with your overall mission and specific projects or initiatives you want to drive

• Putting together a planning and execution timeline with clear roles and responsibilities for everyone involved in making your Giving Tuesday a success

• Developing and communicating a clear message that will resonate with your supporters and creating marketing pieces, social posts (don’t forget to use the Giving Tuesday hashtag to amplify your message!), and other materials that will support your outreach plan

• Outlining the logistics for your Giving Tuesday fundraiser or event including a donation or volunteer engagement platform

• Engaging with your community, especially local businesses for sponsorships, matching or in-kind donations, to maximize excitement, reach, participation, and support

How to make the most of PTA Giving Tuesday

With so much energy and enthusiasm around Giving Tuesday as a national event, it’s a unique opportunity for PTAs and other parent-led school groups should be taking advantage of as a way to foster a culture of giving within their communities. 

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Need inspiration for your PTA Giving Tuesday? Here are some ideas to consider:

• Run a crowdfunding campaign to help meet your annual fundraising goal or to fund a special project or program

• Host a holiday food drive to benefit the community

• Use it as an outreach day to recruit new volunteers

• Organize a town-wide day of service by partnering with other local groups to tackle lots of different community improvement projects

• Build a kindness wall in your school where teachers, students, and staff can add positive messages and notes of gratitude

• Encourage giving all year long by having a Shop to Give sign-up drive so your supporters can donate when they shop or dine

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No matter what your PTA does to mark Giving Tuesday, the most important thing is to spread the spirit of the day. Finding ways to show the impact that compassion, kindness, and generosity can make within your community is the best gift you can give!

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