5 Smart Ways to Make the Biggest Impact on Giving Tuesday

Every year, people across the country come together on Giving Tuesday to support the causes they care about most. It’s a day of generosity that shows what’s possible when we act together.

If you’ve ever wondered how to make the most of your Giving Tuesday donation — how to be sure your gift truly helps — you’re not alone. These simple strategies can help your contributions go further, supporting life-changing programs for older adults served by Meals on Wheels.

1. Set a Giving Budget That Works for You

A little planning can make your giving more meaningful. Decide ahead of time how much you’re able to give overall, then divide it among the causes that matter most to you. Setting a budget helps you give confidently and consistently, year after year. And don’t forget, giving is tax-deductible!

2. Focus on the Causes Closest to Your Heart

Giving Tuesday brings out thousands of appeals from worthy nonprofits. Rather than spreading your support too thin, choose a few organizations that align with your values, and consider ones that are often overlooked to spread the love. (By the way, did you know only 1% of philanthropic donations go to senior causes each year?)

3. Look for Matching Gifts to Multiply Your Impact

One of the smartest ways to increase your impact is to take advantage of matching opportunities. A “match” (or matching gift) is when a donor’s contribution is multiplied by another source: usually a sponsor, foundation or employer.

On Giving Tuesday, Meals on Wheels America often has a match event that can double or even triple your gift, thanks to generous partners who believe in our mission.

You can also check to see if your employer offers a matching gift program. Combining both means your contribution can go even further to support seniors in need.

4. Support Both Local and National Efforts

Meals on Wheels providers serve communities in every state and can reach more seniors in your area with your support while giving to a national organization like Meals on Wheels America helps strengthen the entire network.

By combining local and national giving, you help ensure seniors get the nutrition and care they deserve — no matter where they live.

5. Extend Your Impact Beyond Donations

Financial gifts make the greatest difference, but you can also help by:

• Spreading the word: Share your favorite causes on social media or with friends and family to inspire more giving.
• Volunteering: From delivering meals to making friendly visits, volunteers are essential to reaching seniors. Find Meals on Wheels volunteer opportunities near you.
• Advocating: Raise your voice for policies that protect and expand funding for senior nutrition programs. You can use our simple to use, prewritten letter to email Congress today.

Every action, large or small, adds up to meaningful change for older adults.

Across the country, Meals on Wheels providers deliver millions of meals each year to older adults who might otherwise face hunger and isolation. With your support on Giving Tuesday, you can help empower the network to reach even more seniors with the nutrition and connection they are waiting for. Together, we can End the Wait™. 

Ready to Make the Most of Giving Tuesday?

Across the country, Meals on Wheels providers deliver millions of meals each year to older adults who might otherwise face hunger and isolation. With your support on Giving Tuesday, your can help the network reach even more seniors with the nutrition and connection they are waiting for.

Together, we can make Giving Tuesday more than just a day on the calendar; we can make it a turning point for seniors in need.