National Giving Day (also known as Giving Tuesday) encourages everyone to give back to their communities with charitable donations, volunteer work, or simply raising awareness for causes that matter. But for college-bound students, National Giving Day is also a chance to make your college application shine. Here’s how you can make the most of your participation to strengthen your college application and make a lasting impact.
What is National Giving Day?
National Giving Day, or Giving Tuesday, was established in 2012 as a global generosity movement. Celebrated on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, this event is intended to balance out the consumerism of Black Friday and Cyber Monday by inspiring people to support their communities through acts of kindness and philanthropy. Giving Tuesday has raised billions of dollars for nonprofits worldwide and cultivated hope and community-building stories.
Impact on Organizations
In 2023, organizations across the United States raised an incredible $3.1 billion, beating last year’s total. It’s proof that when we join forces and set our minds to it, we can do some fantastic things to help communities and organizations who need help the most. Here are just two examples of how a Giving Day campaign made a difference:
A Successful Giving Tuesday Campaign: The Book Bowl
The Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore runs an annual #BookBowl Giving Tuesday campaign. Since 2015, they’ve tapped into Baltimore’s love for the Ravens NFL team by creating a playful competition with libraries in rival NFL cities. Leading up to Giving Tuesday, Pratt Library faces off against the library from the opposing team’s city. The “losing” library’s director has to dress as a book character and perform a public reading. In just its second year, the campaign raised $39,340!
If you’re a high schooler looking to create a successful campaign, there are some lessons to learn from the Book Bowl:
- Focus on Local Interests: Think about what your community loves—sports, arts, or local traditions—and build your idea around it.
- Add Friendly Competition: Partner with a neighboring school or group to see who can raise the most funds. And offer fun consequences for the losing side. This could even be as simple as sibling rivalries or family competitions.
- Make It Shareable: Social media spreads the word and builds excitement.
If you connect your campaign to what people care about and can make it a little exciting, a simple fundraiser will have a big impact!
Summary of the American Indian College Fund Campaign
The American Indian College Fund created a Giving Tuesday campaign highlighting real Native American students’ stories and photos. This personal touch made their fundraiser relatable. The campaign also encouraged recurring monthly donations, not just one-time contributions, to maximize long-term support.
If you’re a high schooler looking to make your National Giving Day stand out, then take a few notes from the American Indian College Fund:
- Tell Personal Stories: Highlight how the funds will help real people, whether it’s fellow students, a local cause, or a broader community issue. Use photos or videos to make it relatable.
- Use Visuals: Create eye-catching social media posts with a clear request that directs supporters to donate easily.
- Encourage Recurring Giving: Suggest small but regular contributions (like $5 a month). Present it as a way for donors to make a lasting impact without a significant one-time cost.
By putting real faces and stories at the heart of your story and offering simple ways to contribute, you can create a fundraiser that resonates with those around you.
Impact on Individuals Who Participate
National Giving Day is about helping communities but can also empower individuals to make a difference. In 2023, 34 million people donated, volunteered and organized for causes close to their hearts. With online and mobile donations making it easier than ever, more people are getting involved for the first time. The continued success of Giving Tuesday is inspiring people across the globe to support new organizations and create a ripple effect of generosity.
How to Get Involved
Here are some ways to take part in National Giving Day:
- Volunteer Your Time: Join local community events like park cleanups, food drives, or charity fundraisers.
- Spread Awareness: Use social media to advocate for a cause close to your heart.
- Donate Resources: If you have the means, contribute to a nonprofit organization that resonates with you. Even small contributions count!
Giving back is a wonderful way to make a difference and show love to your community. And all you have to do is donate a few bucks, volunteer a bit of your time, or share something important on social media. It’s the perfect chance to step up, make an impact, and see how even small actions can lead to big change.
Make the Most of Your National Giving Day Experience
As you’re planning for National Giving Day, think about how to capture the moment:
- Document Your Efforts: Take photos, track hours, and write down your reflections. These details will help when it’s time to write essays or list activities.
- Collaborate with Others: Partner with friends or local organizations to make a bigger impact. Colleges appreciate teamwork and community engagement.
- Follow Up: Stay in touch with the people you meet and continue supporting the causes you care about.
Why National Giving Day Matters for College Applications
It’s easy for colleges to see your academic achievements with transcripts and test scores. But they also want to know who you are and how you contribute to the world around you. National Giving Day is an excellent opportunity to show your values and leadership skills. And these will also show up in your college application. Here’s how:
1. It Can Help You Write a Compelling Personal Statement
If you participated in a Giving Day project, consider using it as the foundation of a personal essay or application response. Share an inspirational story about a moment when you saw the impact of your contributions or learned something new about yourself. For example:
- Did you organize a food drive and learn about organizing and teamwork?
- Did volunteering teach you to step in another person’s shoes or open your eyes to a new cause?
These stories show admissions officers who you are and make your application more memorable.
2. It Highlights Your Volunteer Work
Almost every college application asks about extracurricular activities, and volunteering during National Giving Day is a meaningful addition. Be specific when describing your role:
- “Assisted in packaging and distributing 500 meals to local families.”
- “Led a team raising $1,000 for a local animal shelter.”
Numbers and clear outcomes illustrate the impact of your involvement.
3. It Helps You Build a Network for References
The connections you make during National Giving Day should stay with you. Nonprofit leaders, project supervisors, or fellow volunteers can vouch for your dedication and teamwork. Ask for a reference from someone who can speak to your character and commitment to service.
4. It Demonstrates Initiative
Colleges value students who take the initiative. If you spearheaded a Giving Day project or made it part of your Senior Project, such as starting a social media campaign or organizing a volunteer event, highlight this as evidence of your leadership skills.
Getting involved in National Giving Day is a terrific way to give back to the community and an opportunity to help yourself grow, too. Participating will help make writing your college applications a breeze and might even open doors to scholarships. Most importantly, it’s a chance to feel more connected to your community and build a sense of gratitude that’ll stay with you forever.
Still figuring out where to go to college? Check out our College Match Tool—it’s a great way to find a school that fits your values, goals, and interests and sets you up for success!
