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The Season of Giving: How Your Support Helps Nonprofits Create Meaningful Change

The festive season is upon us, a time of joy, celebration, and reflection. As we gather with our loved ones, many of us are also reminded of the importance of giving back. On an international scale, the holiday season is synonymous with charitable acts, from volunteering at local shelters to making monetary donations to causes close to our hearts. But have you ever wondered about the broader impact of your generosity? Let’s take a closer look at holiday giving and the incredible impact your charitable donations make.

Holiday Giving: A Global Phenomenon

Across the globe, the end of the year is marked by a surge in charitable contributions. This is often spearheaded by Giving Tuesday, which occurs on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving in the United States. It’s a global philanthropic movement that unleashes the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and their world. Conceived in 2012 as a counterpoint to the consumerism of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, it has since become a day that encourages individuals to donate time, resources, and talents to address local challenges.

The impact of Giving Tuesday is amazingly vast. In 2023, donors gave an incredible $3.1 billion in the US alone, and millions turned out to serve their communities. With these powerful levels of participation, Giving Tuesday catalyzes increased charitable giving when many nonprofit budgets are determined, amplifies the impact through collective action, and cultivates a culture of generosity that extends beyond a single day or a single region.

From the bustling streets of London to the vibrant communities of Nairobi, this spirit of giving is universal, and one that is particularly noticeable at the end of the year. In the UK, for instance, December sees a significant spike in donations, with many Brits choosing to support both local and international causes. Similarly, in countries like the US, Canada, and Australia, the holiday season is a prime time for philanthropy. In fact, DonorBox’s 2023 year-end giving breakdown reports that “most nonprofits bring in 47% of their online revenue the last week of December, with 20% coming in on December 31st!”

How End-of-Year Giving Benefits You

Year-end giving not only supports important causes but also provides several personal benefits for donors:

  • Tax deductions: Charitable donations made before December 31st can lower your taxable income, offering a financial advantage while helping a nonprofit.
  • Sense of fulfillment: Supporting a cause that aligns with your values can foster a deep sense of purpose and connection to the community.
  • Mental health boost: Research shows that giving can reduce stress, increase happiness, and improve overall well-being, making the act of giving beneficial for both recipients and donors.
  • Strengthening community ties: Contributing to local or global initiatives builds a stronger bond between you and the causes or communities you care about.

Your Charitable Contributions Help Nonprofits Create Lasting Change

Nonprofits around the world play a pivotal role in driving positive change within communities. They address a myriad of issues, from education and healthcare to environmental conservation and poverty alleviation. However, the success of these organizations often hinges largely on the support they receive from donors like you.

End-of-year contributions are particularly crucial. For many nonprofits, the funds raised during the holiday season can determine their operational capacity for the upcoming year. These donations enable them to launch new initiatives, expand existing programs, and reach more individuals in need. Your holiday contributions provide the foundation for the new year and help nonprofits do the most good.

Spotlight on Generation: Transforming Lives and Industries

Here at Generation, we use your end-of-year contributions to create impactful change in communities around the world. We empower individuals to build thriving, sustainable careers and provide employers with the highly-skilled talent they need.

Here’s how your support for Generation creates meaningful change in communities around the world:

  • Helping reverse pervasive unemployment: Through our programs, individuals gain the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their chosen careers, breaking the cycle of unemployment and underemployment. We have:
    • Supported 126,000+ graduates across 17 countries since launching in 2015.
    • Worked with 18,000+ employers worldwide to connect graduates with meaningful employment.
    • Achieved 83% job placement for our graduates within six months of program completion.
  • Driving economic mobility for people and their families: Our employment programs empower individuals around the world to attain a living wage, make ends meet, and improve their economic standing for themselves and their loved ones.
    • Our program graduates have earned $1.5 billion in cumulative wages since 2015.
    • 71% of alumni are able to meet their daily needs 2-5 years after graduation.
    • 36% of alumni are able to save money 2-5 years after graduation.
    • In both tech and non-tech sectors, living wage attainment rises significantly after completing a Generation program and continues to grow thereafter.
  • Closing the skills gap: By addressing the skills gap, Generation ensures employers have access to a pool of qualified, talented professionals from a wide range of backgrounds. This not only boosts economic growth but also fosters innovation and progress.
  • Benefiting society: Our work goes beyond individual success stories. By supporting job seekers, we are supporting entire communities in turn. Our programs create positive ripple effects on families, local economies, and overall community well-being.

Support Generation This Holiday Season

As we look forward to the new year, let’s also take a moment to think about the difference we can make. By supporting organizations like Generation, you’re not just making a donation; you’re investing in a brighter future for countless individuals, industries, and communities across the globe.

This holiday season, let’s embrace the true spirit of giving. Let’s champion the causes that resonate with us and contribute to building a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Donate to Generation this holiday season and be a part of our transformative journey.

Together, we can create meaningful community change. Your support matters.

At Generation, our mission is to train, support, and place people into otherwise inaccessible career opportunities that can change their lives. Explore our employment programs to see the professions we support, or donate today to help us create career opportunities for our learners!