Giving Tuesday 2024, December 3rd

Since 2012, the Tuesday following Thanksgiving has come to be known as Giving Tuesday. The idea of Giving Tuesday came about in a YMCA in New York City. It started with a simple concept; it would be a day that encourages people to do good. It soon grew into a global movement that has inspired hundreds of millions of people to give and to celebrate generosity. Giving Tuesday has become a day when we shift our focus from holiday shopping to giving of our time, money, and resources to nonprofits or other philanthropic people and organizations who are doing good. In 2023 during the 24 hours of Giving Tuesday, 34 million people in the United States donated a combined total of 3.5 billion dollars to charitable causes, while worldwide, 1.5 trillion (yes, trillion!) was raised. 

Northern Michigan has several amazing nonprofit organizations who are committed to making our community a better place. I have compiled a list of just a handful of these nonprofits in and around Petoskey who would appreciate your gift this Giving Tuesday. 

• Harbor Hall, an addiction treatment center in Petoskey whose mission is to provide quality substance abuse treatment services to individuals and their families who have experienced significant problems related to the disease of alcoholism/chemical dependency.
• Little Traverse Bay Humane Society, who rescues more than 900 animals a year and positively impacts the lives of thousands of pets within our community through their valuable programs in addition to boarding, grooming, doggy daycare, training, and veterinary services. 
• Little Traverse Conservancy, whose mission is to protect the natural diversity and beauty of northern Michigan by preserving significant land and scenic areas, and fostering appreciation and understanding of the environment.
• Manna Food Project, a partner organization of Feeding America Food Bank Network who operates a food bank, a food rescue program, a weekly food pantry, and a kids backpack program.
• Northmen Den Youth Services, who provides youth food pantries in 15 area schools, and whose mission is to nourish their neediest students by providing food, tutoring, and mentoring in a manner that respects dignity and individuality, while sustaining dreams. 
• Northwest Michigan Habitat for Humanity who has helped make homeownership possible for countless northern Michigan families. Their mission is seeking to put God’s love into action by bringing people together to build homes, community and hope in Emmet and Charlevoix Counties.
• Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council who is dedicated to protecting the lakes, streams, wetlands, and groundwater in and around northern Michigan through advocacy, education, water quality monitoring, research, and restoration actions.
• Women’s Resource Center of Northwest Michigan who provides confidential support, advocacy, counseling, and a safe home to people in Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Emmet, and Otsego Counties. 

Here in Petoskey, we are also extremely fortunate to have the Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation (PHSACF) at the backbone of our nonprofit community. Since 1992, they have been a connector, partner, collaborator, and resource to fuel the power of the community for the greater good. I recently chatted with my friend Liz, who is the Foundation’s director of communications and donor engagement to find out more about this organization in terms of their impact on our community and how one could utilize them if they are looking for a meaningful way to donate this Giving Tuesday. The following is an abbreviated response to my questions. If you would like to read her full responses, click here. 

Liz told me that “the Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life for all people in Emmet County by connecting donors with community needs, building a permanent source of charitable funds to serve our area, addressing a broad range of community issues through innovative grant making, and championing philanthropy and active citizenship.” 

When asked if PHSACF would be a good choice for donating this Giving Tuesday, she stated, “The Community Foundation is an excellent choice for your charitable donation this Giving Tuesday. With over 300 charitable funds, we’re here to help you support the causes that matter most to you. No matter which areas of need you choose to support through your year-end giving, your gift to the Community Foundation will make a lasting impact on the people of Emmet County.”

She also mentioned the current need for funds for the Lofts at Lumber Square project that the Foundation has provided critical assistance- “While we’re close to reaching our goal, nearly $1,000,000 still needs to be raised [for this project]. Your support this Giving Tuesday can help bring accessible housing to downtown Petoskey—because those who work here should be able to live here.”

Click here to find out more about how to donate to one or more of Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation’s charitable funds, or give them a call at 231-348-5820. 

Don’t have extra money to give this year on Giving Tuesday? That is totally understandable. Donating items to worthy causes or donating your time are also acceptable ways to participate in Giving Tuesday. If you are unable to do any of these things, you can give by advocating for a worthy cause as well. Spread the word to family and friends, or share a Giving Tuesday message on social media. Click here to see a list of ways that you can participate in this year’s Giving Tuesday.