Giving Tuesday 2026 falls on Tuesday, December 1, 2026, the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. After Black Friday and Cyber Monday, it is the one day of the holiday season dedicated entirely to generosity. Here is how to choose where to give, how to make your donation go further, and what the new 2026 tax rules mean for your gift.
In This Article
What Is Giving Tuesday?
GivingTuesday started in 2012 as a simple idea: a day to give back after two days of shopping. It has since grown into a global movement. On GivingTuesday 2025, Americans gave about $4.0 billion, and 38.1 million people took part by donating, volunteering or sharing a cause they care about.
You do not need to give a large amount to be part of it. Most Giving Tuesday donations are small gifts from individuals, and together they add up to one of the biggest fundraising days of the year for nonprofits of every size.
How to Choose a Charity for Giving Tuesday 2026
With so many appeals landing in your inbox on December 1, it helps to decide in advance. A few questions to ask:
- Is it a registered charity? Check its 501(c)(3) status on the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search, and its state registration if it fundraises in California. Our guide on how to research a charity walks through each step.
- Where does the money go? Look for clear answers about programs and overhead. Some nonprofits, including Gifted Angels, follow a 100% proceeds donated model.
- Can you see the impact? The best organizations show you who they serve, with real stories and updates.
- Is it close to home? Local charities often stretch a small gift further and let you see the difference in your own community.
5 Ways to Make Your Giving Tuesday Gift Go Further
- Check for an employer match. Many companies match employee donations, which can double your gift. Ask HR before December 1. Our guide on how to support California nonprofits covers matching in more detail.
- Make it monthly. A recurring gift, even a small one, helps charities plan ahead instead of relying on one big day.
- Give what is needed. Many nonprofits publish wish lists so you can buy exactly what they need.
- Share, do not just give. Posting about a cause you support can bring in donors the charity would never reach on its own.
- Give your time, too. Volunteering counts. Many charities need extra hands during the holidays.
Giving Tuesday and Your Taxes: What’s New in 2026
Two federal tax changes take effect for donations made in 2026:
- A new deduction for people who don’t itemize. Starting in 2026, taxpayers who take the standard deduction can deduct up to $1,000 (single) or $2,000 (married filing jointly) in cash gifts to qualifying charities. Donations of goods, and gifts to donor-advised funds, do not count toward this deduction.
- A 0.5% floor for itemizers. If you itemize, the first 0.5% of your adjusted gross income in charitable gifts is no longer deductible.
To count for 2026, a gift generally needs to be made by December 31, and you should keep a receipt for every donation. We are not tax advisors, so talk to a tax professional about how these rules apply to you.
Where Your Giving Tuesday Gift Goes at Gifted Angels
Gifted Angels is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in Edmonton in 2018. Today, our main focus is our quarterly partnership with Maryvale, Los Angeles County’s oldest children’s charity, based in Rosemead. Gifts made around Giving Tuesday go toward our holiday drive for the children and mothers of Maryvale.
Because we donate 100% of proceeds, your gift does not get split with overhead. It becomes a wrapped present, a book, a cozy pair of pajamas or a celebration a child will remember. See what that looked like at our first holiday drive at Maryvale.
Ways to Give on December 1
- Donate online: 100% of proceeds go to the children and families we serve.
- Shop our Amazon Charity Wishlist to send gifts straight to our team.
- Volunteer to help us wrap and deliver holiday gifts.
- Share this post with friends and family.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Giving Tuesday 2026?
Giving Tuesday 2026 is on Tuesday, December 1, 2026. It always falls on the Tuesday after the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday.
Is Giving Tuesday only for money?
No. Volunteering, donating items, advocating for a cause and simply sharing a charity’s story are all part of Giving Tuesday.
Can I give before or after Giving Tuesday?
Yes. Charities welcome gifts any day of the year, and many holiday campaigns run through December. Giving Tuesday is simply a great reminder to start.
Make December 1 Count
Giving Tuesday 2026 is a chance to start the holiday season with generosity instead of shopping. Whatever cause you choose, give thoughtfully and give with joy. If you would like your gift to reach the children of Maryvale, we would be honored to have you with us. Give to Gifted Angels today.
