Giving Tuesday 2023

Giving Tuesday started in 2012 in New York, and it has been celebrated on the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving, November 29^th. Giving Tuesday is a meaningful day when people from all over the world support organizations that have touched their lives in a meaningful way. It involves spreading positivity and support for small businesses that give back to the community.

Supporting nonprofits on Giving Tuesday this year could have a bigger impact than usual. Why? Because nonprofits and industry groups say donations so far are down compared with previous years. CBS News states “Perhaps more concerning for nonprofits, the Giving USA report found fewer people are donating at all, with less than half of Americans giving to charity in 2022 compared with more than two-thirds who gave in 2000.” Also stating “Large organizations offering donor-advised funds, which are financial vehicles for charitable giving, host webinars and put out reports to encourage their account holders to consider where and how much they want to give while they are gathered with their families before Thanksgiving, said Amy Pirozzolo, head of donor engagement at Fidelity Charitable.

Her organization forecasts grants from their donors will increase compared to last year, saying $9 billion has been granted as of the end of October, before the end-of-year bump which can account for 30% of the total. Last year, some $11.2 billion was granted from its DAF accounts.”

There are many ways to celebrate Giving Tuesday like; paying it forward, donate to an organization, give nourishment to those in need, volunteering your time, give your time to the environment; these are just a few examples, but there are many ways to celebrate and spread kindness to others in your community. Since 2012, Giving Tuesday has stayed committed to “celebrating each and every single act of generosity we have to offer. Whether it’s making someone smile, helping a neighbor out, or showing up for an issue or people we care about, we each have something to contribute. Identify your gifts, pick a cause that gets you fired up, and give back – not just today but every day.” stated givingtuesday.org.

RHA is committed to helping the Rockford community in many ways. We always strive to better the lives of our residents and their families. We are also committed to working with organizations that follow those same values, we are proud to have the partners we have in the community to help serve our residents in helpful and thoughtful ways. One partner of RHA is the Northern Illinois Food Bank, they are a “non-profit organization that engages the community in a commitment to feed our hungry neighbors.” Their mission is to “lead the northern Illinois community in solving hunger by providing nutritious meals to those in need through innovative programs and partnerships.” Northern Illinois Food Bank has Mobile Markets until December 3^rd, and they are first come, first served, while supplies last. See photo for schedule or follow this link for more information. https://solvehungertoday.org/get-groceries-resources/

RHA hopes that everyone has a positive Giving Tuesday and spread kindness all day.