From Humble Beginnings to Record-Breaking Impact:
How GivingTuesday Grew in Our Community
Every year, on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, something extraordinary happens. Across the globe, millions of people pause the holiday shopping frenzy and turn their attention to giving back. This is GivingTuesday—a day dedicated to generosity, community and making a difference.
Here at the Jewish Federation of Detroit, we’ve proudly embraced GivingTuesday as a cornerstone of our year-end campaign. It’s a day that reflects our shared values of tzedakah (charity) and kehilla (community). And thanks to you—our generous donors—our impact has grown tremendously over the years.
GivingTuesday isn’t just about numbers. It’s about impact. Your contributions have enabled us to provide essential services, create volunteer opportunities, and respond to urgent needs both locally and globally. Every dollar represents hope, connection and the enduring strength of our Jewish community.
As one donor shared:
“GivingTuesday reminds me that even small acts of kindness can create big change.”
Double Your Impact!
This year, we invite you to be part of the story once again. and help us achieve our goal of one million dollars from 2,000 donors . Whether you give $18 or $1,800, volunteer your time, or simply spread the word, your participation matters. Together, we can make this GivingTuesday our most impactful yet.
And here’s something special: Every gift you make on GivingTuesday will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $180 thanks to a generous matching gift from a generous donor. That means your impact will be doubled. Helping us reach even more families, fund critical programs and strengthen Jewish life in Detroit, Israel and around the globe.
Mark your calendar for Tuesday, December 2, and join us in writing the next chapter of generosity. Or why wait? Our matching program is already live and your gift will be doubled when you give today.
Donate now and make twice the impact. Because together, we create a stronger, more caring community.
The Origins of a Global Movement
GivingTuesday began in 2012 as a simple but powerful idea: create a day that counterbalances the consumerism of Black Friday and Cyber Monday with acts of kindness and philanthropy. The concept was launched by Henry Timms at New York City’s 92nd Street Y, in partnership with the United Nations Foundation. Promoted through the hashtag #GivingTuesday, the movement quickly gained traction on social media and inspired nonprofits, businesses and individuals worldwide to join in.
From its first year, GivingTuesday was about more than donations—it was about radical generosity: giving time, talent, voice and resources to strengthen communities. What started as a local initiative has grown into a global phenomenon, embraced in over 100 countries. In the U.S. alone, GivingTuesday donations skyrocketed from $45 million in 2012 to $3.6 billion in 2024, with millions more participating through volunteering and advocacy.
Let’s take a walk down memory lane:
- 2015: Our first GivingTuesday campaign brought in 250 gifts totaling $120,000.
- 2023: Fast forward eight years, and the momentum was undeniable—1,478 donors contributed $1,586,005.
- 2024: We broke records again with 1,697 donors and $1,639,424 raised.
- 2025: Just last year, your generosity reached new heights: $1,946,930 from 1,447 donors.
Each gift—large or small—helped fund vital programs, from feeding families in need to supporting Jewish education and strengthening our community’s safety net.
Fun Facts About GivingTuesday
- 2012: GivingTuesday launches in New York City.
- 2013: The movement spreads to Canada and Latin America.
- 2017: Over 150 countries participate.
- 2024: U.S. donations hit $3.6 billion in one day!
- 1,522% Growth in Giving: Since 2015, Federation’s GivingTuesday donations skyrocketed from $120,000 to nearly $1.95 million in 2025.
- Almost 5x More Donors: Our Giving Tuesday campaign grew from 250 donors in 2015 to 1,447 donors in 2025—a 479% increase!
- Beyond Money: Millions give through volunteering, advocacy, and acts of kindness.
