Did you participate in #GivingTuesday last year? It’s time for your organization to start planning whether you participated last year or this is your first time.

#GivingTuesday is in its sixth year and is continues to grow. In 2016, more than $177 million dollars was raised online and 1.64 million gifts were given. More than 98 countries and territories around the world participated in 2016. It has become a global day of giving back.

This year, #GivingTuesday is on Tuesday, November 28 and individuals around the world will give financial gifts and volunteer their time and skills to support countless organizations and charities in their communities and around the world.

A good plan includes:

1. Educating your organization and donor community about #GivingTuesday.
During October and early November, educate your donor community about #GivingTuesday. You can go to the #GivingTuesday website and download logos to use as well as sample press releases and articles.

2. Plan your appeals and invitations to get involved.
Your organization might want to pick a spotlight program or project that you want to raise money for on #GivingTuesday. Don’t forget to use all your communications channels – social media, newsletters, e-communications, and letters to share information about your plans for #GivingTuesday.

3. Ask some donors to consider a challenge gift to encourage others to give.
A challenge gift might encourage new donors to participate and give for the first-time to your organization. Ask a few donors who are champions for you if they would be willing to give a significant gift to challenge others to participate.

4. Begin the countdown and execute your plan.
In a few short days, individuals around the world will be giving back together on #GivingTuesday. It’s exciting to be part of an international movement and see the results live as they are announced in Time Square in New York City.

What creative plans are you implementing this year on #GivingTuesday?