As you’re making your holiday gift list, don’t forget to add your favorite charity!

In fact, you’re just in time to donate all of those Cyber Weekend savings to a special cause or organization that you hold near and dear for #GivingTuesday. 💗💙💛

What is Giving Tuesday?

Here’s the 411: For more than a decade, the Tuesday after Thanksgiving has been recognized as a global day of giving, encouraging people to take a break from holiday shopping to give back to their local communities. In fact, last year alone, nearly 35 million Americans participated in the day of giving, donating a whopping $2.47 billion to their favorite nonprofits.

How can I get involved?

Great question! There are many ways to give back––whether it’s volunteering or donating money––and we’re here to help you devise a plan!

1. Where to give.

We know it can be overwhelming to sort through hundreds (if not thousands) of organizations in need, so instead, sit down and spend a few minutes thinking about your values and passions. What excites you? What do you care most about? For example, if you love animals, you might consider the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). Or, if you’re passionate about food, you might look into an organization like Meals on Wheels. And, if you’re outdoorsy, there’s always the Sierra Club. Sites like Charity Navigator are also great for helping you narrow down the list!

2. How to give.

There are several ways to give back. Let’s start with monetary donations. First, take a look at your budget to determine how much disposable income you have available. Maybe this year you want to make a small, one-time donation, but in the future, plan to work a monthly contribution into your budget. However, if you have limited funds, you can always consider donating your time through volunteer programs or drop off clothing, furniture and toys you no longer need to organizations like Goodwill or The Salvation Army.

3. When to give.

Everyone gives differently, so this really comes down to what your personal goals are. If you have a lot of savings goals on the horizon, an annual donation on Giving Tuesday might be your best bet. However, if you want to make charitable giving an ongoing priority, you could start by setting aside a small percentage of your monthly income. In this case, you might also want to consider setting up a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF), which is basically a separate account set up specifically for charitable donations with tax advantages. We hope this was a helpful article for however you choose to give back this year, something scientists say is a trait that actually makes people happier! 😀