We had Black Friday, then Small Business Saturday, then Cyber Monday. But today it probably the most important of them all: Giving Tuesday. It’s an online movement urging people to give to their favorite charities/non-profits. And tech leaders play a part. Let’s see how IT service leaders celebrate Giving Tuesday.
So let’s start with Microsoft founder Bill Gates and his Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Then add Facebook. Together, they will match $2 million in funds raised today on Facebook for non-profit groups. Also, Facebook is waving the 5% fee on donations today. It’s a huge leap because last year, they only matched $500,000. However, the donations came in so fast they upped their match to $900,000 before the day was over.
They will cap each fundraiser at $1,000, or $50,000 for matching US nonprofits. This will go on until the overall global $2 million matching limit is met. Sound confusing? Well, the big non-profits will have individual fundraisers. Furthermore, Facebook users can create their own donation buttons. I saw some on my page and they look pretty good. So you can add your own donate button by just typing #donate. You can even do a Facebook video promoting your favorite non-profit. Matching started at 8AM Eastern Time. So go see Facebook today.
I applaud Bill and Melinda Gates for matching pledges. I also applaud Facebook for encouraging people to give, one way or another. But they’re not the only candy store in town. Just think of your favorite charity/non-profit. Look them up and make a donation directly. You may have their friendly reminders from them in your email. I got some. But I’m good with it. Because I know I donated to a cause greater than myself. You know, I just had a thought. If Americans got as excited about Giving Tuesday like we did Black Friday, or Cyber Monday, what would that look like?
We specialize in laptops fixed though.