It is quite normal for not for profit organisations and charities to ask for donations and support. In fact, it is essential for their survival and so they can support their beneficiaries. Unfortunate, they are not always seen for doing what it is that they do; showing compassion and generosity, and giving to those they support.

Raising funds and awareness for the organisation or cause can also be time consuming and energy draining. So to be seen as ‘taking’ and not giving can be distressing. Many NFPs are utilising the idea of a giving day to not only help raise profits and presence, but also demonstrate that they do, indeed, give.

A giving day, in essence, is a day for charities, businesses, sporting clubs, individuals and, well, anyone and everyone in the community really, to come together, show generosity and to give.

Generally, they are done as a 24-hour campaign or project, and serve the purpose of including and acknowledging their supporters, from individuals to businesses, in the fight for their cause.

The idea started in 2012, in America, with Giving Tuesday and it hasn’t stopped there. It has been embraced worldwide, possibly for the reason that those who generally give, or those that want to give, are getting something in return.

Giving Days have also proven to vastly increase donations, support, recognition and, best of all, community involvement. Although only 24-hours in length, the campaigns can drive support post-event, and for many months afterwards.

There are plenty of resources out there to help you plan, set up and run your Giving Day. The Notprofit Guide to a Successful Giving Day, courtesy of Giving Corps, for example, is a great resource.

With so many benefits, and so many ways to utilise your access to supporters, you have so many ways in which you can give back to your community and to your beneficiaries. Your first decision is whether you’re going to get on board and host your own Giving Day. Your second is how you’re going to do it.