WTGN | Giving Tuesday 2025
Giving Tuesday is upon us and I wanted to pass on some advice for how to maximize your donations and impact. This year, I am particularly focused on communities and issues that have been targeted by the Trump Administration and DOGE cuts.
Many philanthropists have monthly or annual commitments that they fulfill towards the end of the year. It’s a good time to reflect on why and how you give. Shameless plug: you can complete my Giving Assessment (either just to start a conversation with your family or to take a deeper dive with my help) here.
My family includes our son, Abraham, in our giving decisions. We set a budget and give him quarters to represent $25 and he decides how much goes to each cause by putting quarters on the logos of the organizations we choose. This has been a tradition for several years now and we always look forward to charity night during Hanukkah. The Gates Foundation recently released a report titled Raising Generous Humans. While targeted at High Net Worth families, it has valuable lessons for all.
Many online resources such as Charity Navigator, Givewell, and GuideStar exist to help you make more informed 501c3 giving choices. I urge you to use these tools as just one way to evaluate an organization’s impact. Overhead usually means staff and, especially for smaller organizations, good staff is essential to good work. No one goes to work for a non-profit to get rich and too often we do not pay people what they are worth or even a true living wage. So measuring overhead vis a vis overall budgets may or may not be a good barometer of effectiveness. Most organizations will create end of year emails or materials for members and donors. If you are a major donor to an organization (what percentage of their budget does your gift encompass or ask what constitutes a major gift), you will likely receive a more detailed report. Keep in mind that smaller organizations often do not have the resources for graphic designers or fancy pamphlets. This is a good thing! It means your money is being used effectively.
Don’t worry about the tax break when fighting authoritarianism. I recommend that at least 25% of your giving go to 501c4, 527, or SuperPAC organizations; these gifts maximize 501c3 giving by allowing groups to engage in advocacy, lobbying, and political work. Many organizations are multi-entity; if you already give to a 501c3 with a c4 and/or PAC arm, that is a good place to start.
While large national organizations get the most attention, it is local organizations that are closest to the people we’re trying to help. Wherever possible, give locally.
Below are some communities and issues that are top of mind with some suggested organizations; but again, try to find a local group when possible (check out a community foundation website for partners or ask trusted leaders of other local groups).
Immigrant Communities. The ICE raids have devastated local communities and impacted far more than undocumented families. National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) or the ACLU’s Immigrant Rights Project are good national options.
Trans people and families. Many trans people and families have to travel out of state for care and some are relocating permanently. Campaign for Southern Equality has a trans youth fund. Human Rights Campaign is another good option or find an LGHBTQ+ organization in your community (like the Trans Continental Pipeline in Colorado).
Food Insecurity. You can find a local food bank via Feeding America. And help fight the systemic root causes of hunger with No Kid Hungry (one of my favorite former clients and one of the most impactful organizations I have ever worked with).
Democracy. There are many worthwhile organizations fighting back in many forms but litigation and protests have been the most successful. Democracy Forward (federal), States United (states to federal, states to local), and Public Rights Project (local, city, county) are leading on litigation and other efforts. The vast majority of this work is c3 but there are some c4 needs for advocacy, communications, and mobilization efforts. Indivisible has also been coordinating many coalition and grassroots efforts like the No Kings rallies; they primarily need non-c3 funds.
International aid. UNICEF, Save the Children, and the International Rescue Committee are working in high-conflict areas like Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, and more.