It’s Giving Tuesday! This means that millions of dollars are finding their way to support incredible causes around the world at this very moment. We’re all about finding ways to make a positive impact, so naturally we’re psyched that deserving nonprofits get this influx of funding every year.

But this year, we had an idea: What if we took the surge of goodwill from Giving Tuesday and spread it throughout the year? And what if we focused on local efforts—Giving Tuesday tends to disproportionately support the biggest global organizations that can spend the most on marketing. Because small-scale, consistent support can make an enormous difference for the causes you care about in your community.
 

That’s why the Cotopaxi Foundation makes it a point to sustain long-term partnerships with its nonprofit partners. This allows them to plan more impactful programming.

So, in the spirit of sustaining consistent support, we thought we’d share a few small ways you can help make a difference today—and throughout the year.

And if you have a creative way that you give back, share it with us here by December 9 for a chance to win a Fuego Jacket! 

1. Monthly Donations  

Setting up a recurring donation gives nonprofits a consistent source of funding and helps them plan long-term projects. Even small monthly contributions can make a big difference.

2. Volunteer Regularly  

Commit to volunteering your time on a regular basis, whether it's weekly, monthly, or for specific events. Many nonprofits rely on volunteers for their day-to-day operations.

3. Skills-Based Volunteering  

If you’ve got a busy schedule and it’s hard to commit to specific timeframes, offer your professional skills to help a nonprofit with a specific project. Whether you're in marketing, IT, law, or finance, many organizations need help with specialized tasks that could advance their mission.

4. In-Kind Donations  

Donate goods or services that the organization needs—this could be anything from office supplies to food, clothing, your old vehicle, or professional expertise (like graphic design, legal services, or accounting).

5. Mentorship Programs  

Get involved in mentoring youth, new professionals, or entrepreneurs through nonprofit-run programs. Your time and knowledge can have a lasting impact on someone's life.

6. Fundraise on Their Behalf  

Start a personal or peer-to-peer fundraising campaign to support your favorite nonprofit. You can use occasions like birthdays or holidays to encourage friends and family to donate, or sign up for a race or challenge.

7. Attend or Host Events  

Attend fundraising events, galas, or charity runs—or even host your own event to raise awareness and funds for a cause you care about.

8. Share and Promote Their Work 

Use your social media platform to spread the word about a nonprofit’s mission, upcoming events, or fundraising campaigns. Advocacy through social media can increase visibility and attract new supporters.

9. Sponsor a Child, Animal, or Specific Cause  

Many nonprofits offer sponsorship programs where you can directly support an individual or specific initiative, like sponsoring a child’s education, providing healthcare, or helping wildlife conservation.

10. Workplace Giving  

Check if your employer offers donation matching or payroll deduction programs, or make a suggestion to your employer’s HR department that they partner with a nonprofit for an employee volunteering day.

11. Gift Donations  

Instead of giving physical gifts for birthdays, weddings, or holidays, donate to a charity in someone else’s name or encourage others to donate on your behalf.

12. Shop with Purpose  

Support social enterprises or businesses that donate a portion of their profits to charitable causes. You can also participate in special retailer-sponsored shopping events, where a percentage of your purchase goes to a nonprofit.

13. Join a Nonprofit Board or Committee  

Many nonprofits are looking for committed individuals to serve on their board of directors or advisory committees. This allows you to have a direct impact on their leadership and growth.

14. Corporate Partnerships  

Encourage your company to form partnerships with nonprofits through corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs, which can involve sponsorships, donations, or employee volunteer initiatives.

15. Educate and Advocate  

Stay informed about the nonprofit’s mission and causes, and be an advocate for policy changes, public awareness campaigns, or grassroots efforts that support their work.

16. Donate Unused Gift Cards  

If you have unused gift cards lying around, consider donating them to a nonprofit. Organizations can use them for purchases or fundraising efforts.

If you can give this year on Giving Tuesday (Dec. 3), please do—just don’t forget the other 364!