What exactly is Giving Tuesday? This special focus occurs annually on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving (after Black Friday and Cyber Monday). It encourages individuals, communities, and organizations to donate time, money, and resources to charitable causes – starkly contrasting the consumerism and overconsumption that can easily define the season.

While you can give to causes that support kids with cancer and pediatric cancer research any time during the year, Giving Tuesday is a great time to make a conscious effort.

5 Things Your Giving Tuesday Donations Can Do

#1 – Increase Funding for Research

Charitable organizations focused on childhood cancer, like St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, often run campaigns to raise funds on Giving Tuesday. These funds support research into better treatments, new therapies, and potential cures. Over the years, hundreds of thousands of dollars have been raised for St. Jude.

#2 – Support Families

Some nonprofits use donations to provide financial aid to families of children with cancer – directly helping families, whereas others focus on treatment. It’s an integral part of the holistic effort to fight pediatric cancer! This support helps alleviate travel, lodging, and food expenses or the cost of medical treatments not covered by insurance.

#3 – Increase Access to Resources

Sometimes, essential services such as counseling, educational programs, and therapy seem out of reach for kids with cancer and their families. Donations help increase access to these resources, reducing or eliminating costs and other barriers to access.

#4 – Build Awareness

While “awareness” may seem like empty lip service, it’s where all progress begins. People can’t help solve problems they don’t know or understand. Donations amplify the visibility of childhood cancer initiatives, encouraging the public, directly affected or not, to engage.

#5 – Engage Volunteer

In addition to monetary donations, Giving Tuesday inspires people to volunteer their time. If you can’t give money, consider other ways to give! Volunteers can assist with events and fundraising or directly help families of kids with cancer.

There’s no doubt about it – Giving Tuesday is a fantastic opportunity to fight back against childhood cancer. But here’s some advice: don’t give without doing your due diligence!

How Do I Know Where to Donate?

Vetting a charitable organization before donating ensures your contributions are used effectively, ethically, and in line with your values.

Step #1 – Research the Charity’s Mission and Activities

Mission Statement: Visit the organization’s website to learn about its purpose and goals.

Programs and Impact: Look at the programs they run and the measurable outcomes of their work. Reliable organizations provide transparent information about their achievements and goals. Be suspicious of vague language. 

Step #2 – Verify the Charity’s Legitimacy

IRS Nonprofit Status: If the organization is based in the U.S., check the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search to confirm the charity is a registered 501(c)(3) organization.

Charity Watchdogs: Check any organization on platforms like:

• Charity Navigator
• GuideStar
• BBB Wise Giving Alliance

Step #3 – Evaluate Financial Transparency

Annual Reports: Review their annual reports and IRS Form 990 (usually available on websites like GuideStar). How are funds allocated? Are they being used effectively?

Administrative Costs: Ensure a reasonable percentage of donations go toward programs rather than administrative or fundraising costs. Generally, we want to see 75% or more put toward programs.

Executive Salaries: Check if the leadership’s compensation makes sense compared to industry standards. 

Step #4 – Assess Impact and Accountability

Specific Goals: Reliable charities provide data or stories about how donations have made a difference. They’re proud to share these things!

Impact Reports: See if the charity reports the long-term outcomes. Be extra diligent when researching newer, untested organizations.

Step #5 – Look for Donor Reviews and Community Impact

Testimonials: Search for stories from donors or beneficiaries to gauge public sentiment.

Social Media Presence: An active and engaged presence can indicate transparency and responsiveness. While a lack isn’t necessarily a reason not to give, it might indicate some disorganization.

News Coverage: Check for news stories – positive or negative!

Step #6 – Avoid Common Red Flags

High-Pressure Tactics: Be cautious of organizations with a “donate first, ask questions later” mentality. Sometimes, a sense of urgency is appropriate, but pressure is not.

Lack of Information: Avoid charities that don’t provide precise details about their mission, tax-exempt status, or financial data.

Step #7 – Test Donation Process

Test the Waters: Make a small donation first to see how the charity communicates and uses your gift. Check if you receive an acknowledgment and updates about their activities.

Giving Tuesday is a prime opportunity to give for the good of kids with cancer and their families. Just be sure you’re giving to the causes you believe in – ones that are efficient, effective, and maximizing the good they can do.