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By Joseph A. Curtatone

The Tuesday after Thanksgiving has become known as Giving Tuesday. The Giving Tuesday campaign started in 2012 to encourage people to donate to charities and non-profit organizations during the holiday season. While Giving Tuesday is a good reminder to make a donation, nonprofits need support throughout the year to carry out their missions.

Charitable donations are on the rise in the U.S. with more people giving than in previous years. Seventy percent of people across America report taking part in some charitable activity over the past year, up from 62% in 2017, and about 2/3 report having made a monetary donation. In 2018, about $400 million was donated on Giving Tuesday, up from $274 million in 2017.  But that’s just a small part of the picture – last year more than $427 billion was donated by individuals, foundations, and businesses.

All those donations made throughout the year are what keep charities running. Depending on the type of work they do, nonprofits’ busy times can happen throughout the year. Charities work year round and emergencies that need extra resources can happen at any time. While donations during the holiday are always welcome, donations at other times and recurring donations ensure that organizations are getting funding when they need it – that can be especially true for small, local nonprofits that run on smaller budgets.

Small, local charities sometimes get lost in sea of donation requests and don’t always reap the benefits of campaigns like Giving Tuesday. They often face some of the same challenges as small businesses – they run on leaner margins and have fewer resources to dedicate to fundraising. A steady stream of funding coming in year round can helps staff focus on the organization’s mission and allows them to cover expenses year round.

If you’re planning to make charitable contributions this holiday season (or any time during the year), please consider giving to local organizations as well as larger, more well-known charities. Research has found that money given to small charities goes just as far as donations to larger organizations. The difference is in the type of work they do. Larger charities are often better set up to mobilize quickly and can take on bigger projects. Small nonprofits tend to know their community better and provide support throughout the year. During a natural disaster, for example, groups like the Red Cross are able to come in quickly to provide for immediate needs like temporary shelter and meals. But after they’re gone, it’s the smaller, local groups that continue to work with those affected and help them get back on their feet. It may take a little more work to find a local charity to support, but the extra effort helps your community.

Whether you’re giving to a large or small organization, it’s always a good idea to do a little research first and make sure your money is going to a cause you want to support. There are charity watchdog groups that provide helpful information and even a quick online search can help you get a sense of whether or not you want to support a particular group. Especially around the holidays, watch out for scams. You shouldn’t feel pressured into making a donation and you can always give later after you’ve had time to do your due diligence.

No matter what causes you support there are organizations in the greater Boston area – possibly even in Somerville – doing important work in those areas. As you’re thinking about making donations during the holidays or throughout the year, don’t forget these smaller charities in our community.