Early Giving Opens for #GivingTuesday402 as SHARE Omaha Calls for Record Community Support
Early giving for #GivingTuesday402, the Omaha metro’s largest annual day of generosity, officially opened Nov. 18, with donations culminating at midnight on Dec. 2. Organized locally by SHARE Omaha, the campaign invites residents across Dodge, Douglas, Sarpy, Saunders, and Washington counties to support more than 500 area nonprofits through a single online platform.
Giving Tuesday, part of the global movement encouraging collective generosity, has become a major force for local impact. Since SHARE Omaha began coordinating the regional effort in 2019, #GivingTuesday402 has inspired more than $22.5 million in donations to area organizations, nearly doubling the amount raised before the initiative had a central organizer.
“Giving Tuesday is a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish together,” said SHARE Omaha Executive Director Teresa Mardesen. “Every act of generosity helps shape the community we all want to live in.”
Early donors who give through SHAREomaha.org from Nov. 18 through Dec. 1 also help eligible nonprofits enter drawings for an additional $500 contribution. Organizers hope this year’s campaign will reach new participation records amid growing community need.
In addition to individual donors, SHARE Omaha is recruiting young people under 25 to join Giving Tuesday Spark, a youth-led arm of the movement. Participants can choose a cause, organize volunteer efforts, or host collection drives to support issues they care about.
Local businesses are also encouraged to get involved through donation matches, volunteer days, or donating a percentage of sales. Research shows 79% of employees prefer to work for companies that demonstrate social responsibility, something SHARE Omaha says makes participation a win-win.
A Growing Culture of Generosity
In 2024, SHARE Omaha’s Giving Tuesday campaign generated more than 30,000 gifts and over $3.7 million on the Nebraska side of the metro alone. Nearly a quarter of donors gave to a nonprofit they had never supported before, strengthening connections between the community and frontline organizations.
This year’s campaign is supported by sponsors including Kiewit, Nebraska Medicine, and Farm Credit Services of America.
To explore participating nonprofits, make a donation, or learn how to get involved, visit SHAREomaha.org/GivingTuesday.
Lozafina Highlights Local Nonprofits Doing Impactful Work
Several Lozafina nonprofit partners are participating in Giving Tuesday this year, including:
Inclusive Communities – advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion across Nebraska
MENTOR Nebraska – strengthening youth-serving programs and mentor relationships
Barrientos Scholarship Foundation – supporting Latino students pursuing higher education
Room for Roots – empowering entrepreneurs through community-centered learning
Omaha Bridges – helping families overcome barriers through peer support and resources
The Hiya Foundation – a newly established youth-centered nonprofit championing teen mental health awareness and suicide prevention
Great Plains Black History Museum – preserving and showcasing the rich history, culture, and contributions of Black Nebraskans through education, exhibits, and community programming.
Youth Emergency Services (YES) – supporting youth experiencing homelessness with safety, housing, resources, and compassionate wraparound services that help them rebuild their lives.
The Bloc – celebrating Nebraska’s emerging and seasoned changemakers by hosting the 20 Under 20 NE and 50 Over 50 NE awards, uplifting community leaders across generations.
Lozafina encourages residents to give to any nonprofit that aligns with their values. “Whoever you choose to support, just give,” the agency shared.