What Day Is It?Giving Tuesday 2026 falls on December 1, 2026. It is held on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, one day after Cyber Monday, and it asks people to give after a weekend of buying.
How it started
GivingTuesday began in 2012 as an idea from the 92nd Street Y, a cultural center in New York, working with the United Nations Foundation. The thinking was simple. Black Friday and Cyber Monday already had a place on the calendar, so why not a day for giving?
It has since grown into an independent nonprofit and a movement with organizers in many countries.
You do not need money to join
Donations get most of the attention, but the day is about generosity of any kind.
- Give an hour to a local food bank or shelter.
- Donate blood, or book an appointment for later in the month.
- Clear out warm coats and pass them on.
- Write a thank-you note to a teacher, nurse or neighbor.
Before you donate
Scammers follow the money, so look a charity up before you give. In the US, the IRS has a free tool to check tax-exempt organizations, and sites such as Charity Navigator publish ratings. Give through the charity’s own site rather than a link in a message.
Giving Tuesday dates
| Year | Date | Day of the week |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | December 1 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | November 30 | Tuesday |
| 2028 | November 28 | Tuesday |
Frequently asked questions
Is Giving Tuesday only in the United States?
No. It started there, but people and groups in many countries now take part.
Do I have to donate money?
No. Volunteering, donating goods and small acts of kindness all count.