5 Ways Nonprofits Can Amplify Their Mission, Fundraising During Giving Tuesday Season

As nonprofits across the country prepare for Giving Tuesday, communications experts say the season offers more than a one-day fundraising spike. It’s an opportunity for mission-driven organizations to strengthen their brand, expand their audience, and deepen donor trust.

Giving Tuesday, now a global movement of generosity, drives millions in contributions each year. But with more than 500 organizations participating locally through platforms like SHARE Omaha, the nonprofits that stand out are the ones that treat the season as a coordinated storytelling campaign rather than a single fundraising plea.

Here are five strategies nonprofit leaders can use to elevate their mission and maximize year-end support.

1. Lead With Mission-Centered Storytelling

Nonprofits that start early and center their communications around impact — not money — tend to see stronger engagement. Communications strategists recommend highlighting first-person narratives, client stories, and program outcomes that demonstrate why the organization exists and what donor dollars make possible.

“People give because they feel connected,” said Josefina Loza, founder and CEO of Lozafina, who specializes in nonprofit brand consulting. “Mission-centered storytelling cuts through the clutter and reminds donors that their generosity creates real change.”

Research shows audiences are significantly more likely to donate when they can picture the specific lives or communities being supported.

2. Use Video and Social Media to Humanize the Work

Short-form video has become one of the most effective tools for Giving Tuesday outreach. Simple smartphone clips, such as behind-the-scenes footage, quick interviews, thank-you messages, or live updates, often outperform polished campaigns.

Platforms like Instagram Reels, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts allow nonprofits to reach younger donors and amplify volunteer voices. Organizations that post consistently throughout November, rather than only on Giving Tuesday, tend to see greater reach and stronger donor conversion rates.

“Authenticity beats perfection,” Loza said. “People want to see humans doing the work, not just graphics asking for money.”

3. Partner With Local Businesses and Community Influencers

Collaborations can dramatically expand visibility during the giving season. Local businesses often participate by matching donations, donating a portion of sales, or promoting causes to their customer base.

Community leaders, micro-influencers, and youth ambassadors also play a growing role. SHARE Omaha’s Giving Tuesday Spark initiative, for example, engages young people under 25 to mobilize their peers around issues that matter to them, often bringing in first-time donors.

Business partnerships and civic collaborations not only amplify reach but also signal broad community support for an organization’s mission.

4. Offer Clear, Actionable Ways to Give

Nonprofits that make giving simple, offering multiple giving levels, showcasing wish lists, highlighting volunteer opportunities, and providing direct impact statements tend to perform better.

Experts recommend eliminating friction:

• Provide a one-click donation link.

• List suggested donation amounts tied to specific outcomes.

• Add QR codes to all physical materials.

• Make the call to action time-sensitive and highly visible.

During early-giving windows, platforms like SHAREomaha.org also enter nonprofits into bonus gift drawings when donors give early, creating an added incentive to participate before Dec. 2.

5. Thank Donors Publicly and Transparently

Donor retention begins immediately after the gift. Nonprofits that publicly express gratitude through social media shout-outs, personalized thank-you messages, or impact updates tend to strengthen long-term supporter relationships.

Transparency also matters. Sharing real numbers, such as how many families were served or how donations will be distributed, builds trust and encourages continued giving after Giving Tuesday ends.

“People want to feel like their donation matters,” Loza said. “Follow-up is where loyalty is built.”