#GivingTuesday Surpasses $1 Billion in Overall Giving

#GivingTuesday continued to grow in 2018, as individuals contributed a combined $380 million to nonprofit organizations – 27 percent more than last year’s giving total of $300 million.

The total number of donations reported in 2018 is approaching 4 million, a 45 percent jump compared to 2017, marking the most successful #GivingTuesday yet. The mean gift size was $105.

Cumulatively, the #GivingTuesday movement has surpassed $1 billion in online giving in the U.S. in just seven years.

Held annually on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving, Black Friday and Cyber Monday, #GivingTuesday represents an opportunity for charitable individuals, families and companies to come together on one day to support nonprofit organizations strengthening our community. The 2018 movement proved once again that social media and socially-minded San Diegans can unite to create positive change.

Supporting a More Inclusive Economy

The San Diego Foundation joined the movement this year by encouraging San Diegans to support needs-based scholarships.

While San Diego County is poised for new levels of economic success, to sustain job growth, more of our students need to get to and through college.

But, not all San Diego youth have the same opportunities.

According to the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation, Hispanics will be San Diego’s largest ethnic group by 2030. Yet, 34 percent of Hispanics do not finish high school and 85 percent do not hold a bachelor’s degree.

In addition, research from the Public Policy Institute of California shows that only a fraction of students in California capable of earning a degree actually do, and low-income students are greatly underrepresented in colleges and universities.

That’s why San Diegans came together on #GivingTuesday to support the Needs-Based Scholarship Fund at The Foundation. Donations help build a strong local talent pipeline and a more inclusive economy by helping more San Diego students get to and through college.

Season of Giving

#GivingTuesday is the official kick-off for year-end giving.

In 2017, of the $410 billion Americans gave to U.S. nonprofits, roughly 30 percent of all charitable contributions occurred in the month of December.

Whether you are looking to support needs-based scholarships or open your own donor advised fund, our philanthropic experts are here to help with your year-end giving needs.

You can donate many types of assets to The San Diego Foundation. To be eligible for a yearly tax deduction, however, you may need to initiate your gift earlier than you think.

See 2018 Contribution Deadlines