Sometimes an idea is just right. And it changes things. And everything is different as a result. Giving Tuesday is one of those ideas.

Launched in New York City in 2012, Giving Tuesday brought people together through social media to collectively affirm that we are more than mere consumers and that social media can be a force for something other than increasingly absurd viral cat videos (not that there is anything wrong with that).

Today, Giving Tuesday is no less than a global social media and philanthropic phenomenon. Last year, Giving Tuesday used social media engagement to mobilize $46 million for more than 30,000 charitable organizations across the country and around the world.

Now, truth be told, Maine Initiatives has not traditionally had a strong online fundraising game. We are what experts refer to as “late adopters” when it comes to technology and social media. So Giving Tuesday as a social media phenomenon isn’t exactly in our wheelhouse.

On the other hand, our work is to identify, mobilize, and leverage the fullest range of our community’s resources and assets on behalf justice and equity. So, Giving Tuesday as a vehicle for democratizing philanthropy – engaging non-traditional donors in the movement for justice and equity – is right where we want to be.

So this year, on December 1st, after the flurry of manic consumer holidays immediately following Thanksgiving, we will come together as a community for Giving Tuesday, a celebration of generosity, compassion, and community.

Join us.

Your gift on Giving Tuesday to Maine Initiatives goes directly to our grantmaking fund, which has provided more than $3.5 million to over 300 grassroots organizations since 1993.

Your gift is pooled with hundreds of large and small donations from across Maine. Together, we are building a Fund for Change–and making timely, targeted, and critically important grants to the grassroots and community-based organizations that are making Maine more just, equitable, and sustainable.

Your gift on Giving Tuesday won’t be used to create another viral cat video. I promise.

Join us. Give to Maine Initiatives on Giving Tuesday. Now or on December 1, 2015. 

–Phil Walsh