Giving Tuesday vs Colorado Gives Day
As the end of the year approaches, many people look forward to opportunities to give back and make a difference in their communities. Both Giving Tuesday and Colorado Gives Day are significant days dedicated to philanthropy and they each have unique features and offer distinct opportunities for participants. Understanding how these two events differ can help you maximize your impact and support the causes you care about most.Â
In this blog post, we’ll explore the similarities and the key differences between Giving Tuesday and Colorado Gives Day, and highlight how participating in both can enhance your charitable giving experience and make a huge difference while giving a little!
Both Giving Tuesday and Colorado Gives Day are designed to inspire generosity and support for nonprofits, charities, and movements. Large-scale giving days harness the power of collective giving to make a tangible impact on communities.
Similarities
Giving Tuesday
Colorado Gives Day
Origins
Giving Tuesday is an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit that supports global movement and began in 2012.
Colorado Gives Day is a 501(c)3 program through the Colorado Gives Foundation and began in 2010.
Purpose
Designed to inspire generosity and support for nonprofits, charities, and movements. Harnesses the power of collective giving to make a tangible impact on communities.
Designed to inspire generosity and support for nonprofits, charities, and movements. Harnesses the power of collective giving to make a tangible impact on communities.
Timing
Falls within the same season, however Giving Tuesday takes place on the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving. This year it’s on Tuesday, December 3, 2024.
Falls within the same season, however Colorado Gives Day is held this year on Tuesday, December 10, 2024.
Community Engagement
Emphasizes community involvement and encourages people to come together in support of local and global causes.
Emphasizes community involvement and encourages people to come together in support of local and global causes.
Differences
Giving Tuesday
Colorado Gives Day
Scope/Range
- Giving Tuesday is a global movement and day of giving, engaging donors from around the world.
- Spans from giving online to volunteering, in-kind donations, or other acts of kindness as well.
Colorado Gives Day is a 24-hour period dedicated to online giving, focusing specifically on CO-based nonprofits to drive local support for local causes.
Incentives
While Giving Tuesday also offers various incentives, they tend to be more organization-specific.
Colorado Gives Day often includes special incentives like matching funds and prizes for participating nonprofits to enhance and maximize the impact of every donation.
Platform
Giving Tuesday relies on individual organizations to promote their causes, often through their own websites and social media channels.
Colorado Gives Day utilizes a dedicated platform making it easy to find and support Colorado nonprofits.
Which One Should You Choose?
- If Your Organization Is Based in Colorado: Prioritize Colorado Gives Day to capitalize on local support and state-specific incentives. Since its inception in 2010, Colorado Gives Day is widely recognized throughout the state (and outside of the state, too!), and participating will allow you to leverage the excitement around it. This day is tailor-made for Colorado nonprofits and offers a unique opportunity to rally your community around your cause.
- If Your Organization Has a Broader Reach: Focus on Giving Tuesday to engage a global audience. This day is perfect for organizations that operate beyond state lines and wish to tap into a worldwide network of supporters.
Conclusion
Choosing between Colorado Gives Day and Giving Tuesday may seem tempting, but participating in both amplifies your impact. Use Colorado Gives Day as your primary monetary fundraiser, while Giving Tuesday can focus on volunteer efforts, in-kind donations, or pledges for Colorado Gives Day. This approach avoids donor fatigue and maximizes your financial impact without overburdening supporters. Together, these days allow your generosity to reach further, strengthening both global and local communities.