Generosity Goes Viral: Top 5 Things to do in honor of #GivingTuesday

In the summer of 2012, Henry Timms, an employee at the 92nd Street Y in New York City, hatched an idea that would spread generosity across the globe. Four years later, #GivingTuesday has grown into a global movement of fundraising for nonprofit groups. So how can you do your part to help generosity go viral? Read on for my top 5 suggestions.

  1. Share Your Treasure

What may be the easiest way to give back is to donate funds to a charity. A few years ago our family decided to donate the money we would spend on exchanging gifts as adults to a selected charity. My charity of choice this year is Nest Egg Foundation, which provides financial grants for IVF treatment to those who have been unable to start their families due to the double challenge of infertility and financial need. What better way to spend family funds than to help another family begin!

  1. Or Donate your Time

Low on funds? You can still give in other ways. How about volunteering at your favorite charity? Maybe sign up to become an organ donor or give blood…the possibilities are endless.

  1. Share your Giving Story on Facebook

This year, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will match donations made on crowdfunding platform GlobalGiving at 50 percent up to $1 million. So, share how you supported a nonprofit organization and possibly win a $10,000 prize for the nonprofit from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

  1. Inspire Others

I love this idea of co-opting the selfie for the greater good. Check out this graphic that shows you how to share your #UNselfie, a pic featuring you doing something selfless.

  1. Go Beyond Charities

Giving doesn’t have to be limited to charitable organizations. This Giving Tuesday, you can give extra care and attention to your friends, family and others in your community. Perhaps spend time reading to a child today, or volunteer to finish off a project around the house. Let this day of philanthropy inspire more days of giving back.

About Courtney

Courtney is a mom and wife, a spiller of all things drinkable, and a decaf coffee addict. She has lived in Fairfield County for 20, relocating from Rhode Island to pursue a career in marketing. When she landed a position at TEDMED, the independently owned health and medicine arm of the world-famous TED conference, she developed a true passion for public health and patient advocacy. As a result she focuses her professional efforts, there. She loves to travel and is an avid runner with 6 ultra races under her belt. However, proudest accomplishment is earning the title of “mommy” from two redheaded, independent and spirited daughters.

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Submitted by Westport, CT

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