After Giving Thanks, a Day to Give Back
Today, more than 30,000 organizations, countless individuals, and a host of policymakers are celebrating the importance and impact of charitable giving and philanthropy. Under the banner of #GivingTuesday, Henry Timms & New York’s 92nd Street YMCA in partnership with the UN Foundation have mobilized a global call to action in support of nonprofits and the vital services they support.
Giving to others helps us meet the demands of our own humanity—it is a quintessential part of the American experience. In the United States, giving has long been at the core of our national identity because this nation stands for something greater than any one individual or cause.
Today and in the weeks leading up to today, we’ve heard from policymakers across the political spectrum about the importance of giving.
President Obama highlighted today’s events in his weekly address.
Reps. Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI-02) and Will Hurd (R-TX-23) joined Sens. Chuck Schumer (D-NY), John Thune (R-SD), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), and Pat Roberts (R-KS) to introduce bipartisan resolutions recognizing the importance of #GivingTuesday and the national unity created by a shared spirit of generosity.
The Council and our colleagues are glad to see such broad support for American Philanthropy and will continue to work with leaders in Washington to build awareness for its important role in communities across the United States.
For the foundation community, giving days—whether national or local—are an important opportunity to connect with donors and the public at large around the important role that philanthropic organizations play in a vibrant society.
The Council maintains a library of resources on Giving Days, and I invite our members to share their experiences on the Philanthropy Exchange.
This set of actions underscores how our field is stronger when we lead together. When we collaborate to address today’s pressing challenges we live up to the power and promise of philanthropy.
