What is GivingTuesday? What to know about the holiday of 'radical generosity'

It's that time of year again – time to give back. And, the unofficial holiday to do that is known as GivingTuesday.

GivingTuesday is celebrated on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving each year, falling on Nov. 30 for 2021. The day is devoted to charitable causes and encouraging individuals to give back in their daily lives – from donating to nonprofits to volunteering at local community centers. GivingTuesday's website calls the movement "radical generosity."

GivingTuesday started in 2012 by the 92nd Street Y, a New York City nonprofit organization dating back to 1874, as part of a partnership with the United Nations Foundation. Since then, the annual event's reach has grown significantly – with 2021 estimations for movements in 80 countries around the world and almost 300 community campaigns in the United States alone. Last year, people donated nearly $2.5 billion in the United States, according to a recent GivingTuesday report.

“With country and community leaders, millions of organizations, and countless givers of all kinds, GivingTuesday provides an opportunity to come together to create a more generous world," stated Asha Curran, GivingTuesday’s CEO and co-founder of the movement.

The nonprofit organization behind the day stresses that taking action for GivingTuesday shouldn't be just an annual event, or only about donating money. You can "give – each Tuesday and every day – whether it’s some of your time, a donation, or the power of your voice in your local community," GivingTuesday writes.

How to be a part of GivingTuesday

If you're looking for a particular cause to support this year, a search under the hashtag #GivingTuesday on social media turns up countless organizations. There's also identity and caused-based GivingTuesday coalitions and campaigns to search for – such as #GiveBlck, #GiveForDV and #RefugeesGive. In addition, it's important to check with local nonprofits and/or mutual aid funds looking for support this year.

GivingTuesday's website offers a list actions you can take to give back, as well as a map for finding potential GivingTuesday movements where you live. But even if there isn't an organized GivingTuesday in your community, there's still guidance on ways to participate – ranging from the individual to small business level.

Here's a list of some of the featured nonprofits and coalition campaigns on GivingTuesday's website, as well as those that have asked for support using the #GivingTuesday hashtag:

Love For Our Elders: Love For Our Elders writes letters to isolated elders to fight "loneliness with love." According to Love For Our Elders, the organization has delivered over 250,000 letters around the world since 2013. You can learn more about writing a letter or donating on the Love For Our Elders website.

Give Blck: Give Blck connects people with Black-founded nonprofits. The donor platform works to "advance racial equity in giving and mobilize positive action for Black lives." Featured nonprofits on Give Blck's website include Black Voters Matter, the National Black Theatre and the Greater Youth Sports Association.

Planned Parenthood: Planned Parenthood delivers critical reproductive health care, sexual education and information to millions around the world. To nonprofit has participated in GivingTuesday throughout recent years. You can learn more about how to donate and support Planned Parenthood on its website.

National Network to End Domestic Violence: The National Network to End Domestic Violence works to combat domestic violence through support for survivors, advocacy in policy change and informational resources. For GivingTuesday 2021, the nonprofit is bringing together over 50 state and territory coalitions to raise funds – including Violence Free Colorado, Jane Doe Inc. and Women Against Abuse. Learn more on their website or with the hashtag #GiveForDV.

The Autism Society: The Autism Society works to support individuals with autism, including through advocating for change in state and federal public policy. You can learn more about the nonprofit and how to donate on the Autism Society website.

#LatinxGive and HIPGive: HIPGive, spearheaded by Hispanics in Philanthropy, is a bilingual crowdfunding platform with a focus on advancing Latinx social impact projects – which includes Diálogo de Saberes, Clay is Alive and the Farmworkers' COVID-19 Pandemic Relief Fund this year. You can find more projects on the HIPGive website or with the hashtag #LatinxGive this GivingTuesday.

IllumiNative: IllumiNative is a nonprofit designed to increase the visibility of Native Nations and peoples through advocacy, educational workshops, supporting Native youth and more. You can learn more or donate on IllumniNative's website.

DonorsChoose: DonorsChoose is a nonprofit funding site for public school teachers in the United States, working to help both teachers and students get the resources and materials they need in the classroom. Starting at 7 a.m. ET this GivingTuesday, all donations will be matched by at least 50%. You can learn more and how to donate on the DonorsChoose website.

The Thurman Perry Foundation's Girl Code Program: The Thurman Perry Foundation focuses on the needs of women and girls who have been directly impacted by incarceration. Support includes financial assistance, educational resources and providing essential products. Through the Girl Code initiative, the nonprofit provides monthly donations of menstrual products to women inside the Orleans Parish Justice Center, one of the largest pre-trial correctional facilities in the country. You can learn more and donate on the Thurman Perry Foundation website.

Asian Mental Health Collective: The Asian Mental Health Collective aspires to make mental health resources accessible and approachable for Asian communities around the world. You can learn more and donate on the Asian Mental Health Collective's website and Twitter.

Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation: Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation works to fight childhood cancer through funding research, raising awareness and supporting families. You can learn more and donate on the Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation website.

Humane Society of the United States: The Humane Society of the United States fights animal cruelty through rescue, response and sanctuary work – aiding thousands of animals each year. And they're asking for help this GivingTuesday. You can learn more, donate or find out how to volunteer on the Humane Society of the United States' website.

Contributing: Brett Molina, USA TODAY.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What is GivingTuesday? Here are the 2021 holiday's featured charities