Encourage the spirit of generosity this Giving Tuesday by raising funds for brain disease research and spreading awareness with the American Brain Foundation.
Established in 2012, Giving Tuesday takes place every November on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. The concept is simple: it’s a day encouraging people to do good and lend their support to the causes that matter to them. Giving Tuesday has grown into a global movement inspiring millions of people to donate, work together, and celebrate generosity.
The best part about Giving Tuesday is that anyone can participate because we all have something to give, whether it’s time, resources, or support. At the American Brain Foundation, we encourage people to get involved in whatever ways they are able—and remember, supporting people living with brain disease doesn’t have to mean making a big donation. You can also participate in Giving Tuesday this year by sharing information about brain disease, raising funds for brain disease research, or offering support to someone impacted by brain disease.
When Is Giving Tuesday and How Do I Get Involved?
Giving Tuesday is on November 29 this year. So how can you maximize your impact? Start by identifying what you have to offer in the fight against brain disease. It can be anything: social media skills, time spent supporting others, care packages, or raising donations. Once you decide what you’d like to do, share it with the people in your community and personal network. Invite your friends and family to join you, and don’t be shy about posting on social media multiple times on Giving Tuesday to amplify your reach.
Below are some specific ways you can plan to support people living with brain disease on Giving Tuesday.
Make a Donation
Making an individual donation is a great way to support brain disease research on Giving Tuesday. If you feel comfortable sharing that you’ve donated to the American Brain Foundation on social media, this can encourage others to do the same. Sharing why you chose to donate can also raise awareness about the importance of brain disease research. (This is a good practice year-round, not just on Giving Tuesday.)
Start a Personal Fundraiser
Personal fundraisers allow you to share the causes and organizations you care most about with your network of family, friends, and colleagues. Thanks to social media and online fundraising platforms, personal fundraisers are easier to organize than ever. The American Brain Foundation offers peer-to-peer fundraising options through Classy as well as Facebook.
To maximize your support for brain disease research, you can start a personal fundraiser directly through the American Brain Foundation. It’s simple: create your fundraiser, tell your story, share your campaign, encourage your peers, and make a difference. We even offer a fundraising toolkit with expert tips on creating a successful fundraiser.
Join the Brain Squad
If you want to carry your impact beyond Giving Tuesday, consider becoming a Brain Squad member. The Brain Squad is a monthly donation program to support ongoing brain disease research. You can choose an amount to donate each month.
Why opt for a monthly donation? Donating each month allows you to make a big difference without making a large donation up front. It also ensures continuous support for the doctors and scientists working on critical, long-term brain disease research.
Offer to Help a Caregiver in Your Life
Even if you’re unable to make a donation right now, there are still many ways you can support people living with brain disease on Giving Tuesday. A great way to make a significant impact is by supporting a caregiver in your life. Being a full-time caregiver for someone with brain disease can be very difficult, and caregivers often feel overwhelmed and isolated. Offer your support by stepping in and giving them some time for themselves, helping them connect with support groups, and checking in frequently. You can also brighten their day with simple yet thoughtful gestures, like kind notes and self-care items they’ll enjoy.
Share How Brain Disease Has Affected You
Spreading awareness is another way to support brain disease research on Giving Tuesday. Educating others about brain disease can make a lasting impact, whether you are emphasizing the importance of investing in research, encouraging brain-healthy lifestyle choices, sharing research on how to recognize the signs of brain disease, or connecting others to important support resources. Personal stories often have the most impact, so if you feel comfortable doing so, consider sharing your own story about life with brain disease, how it has affected a loved one, or your caregiving experience.
Start a Community Fundraiser
A community fundraiser is a great way to involve more people in your Giving Tuesday efforts. Gather friends, family, work colleagues, and neighbors to raise money for brain disease, create thoughtful care packages for caretakers, or host an event to educate and spread awareness about brain disease and maintaining brain health.
You can also honor a loved one impacted by brain disease by working with friends and family to start a fund in their name. At the American Brain Foundation, we can guide you through the process of establishing a donor-advised fund to support critical brain disease research.
The American Brain Foundation is committed to finding cures for brain diseases. Donate today to make a difference. With your help, we can all experience life without brain disease.