In the heart of autumn, as leaves turn golden and temperatures cool, Thanksgiving emerges as a cherished tradition in the United States and for the countless Amercans abroad. It’s a moment to pause, reflect, and express gratitude for the blessings life has bestowed. Yet, Thanksgiving also tables the discussion for something larger than gratitude, and that is the spirit of giving.
As the holiday season commences, this sentiment dovetails with the global initiative known as Giving Tuesday, a movement that redefines generosity in a modern context. Together, these observances invite us to consider not only what we have but also how we can give to others and create ripples of positive impact in our communities and beyond.
What you think about and thank about you bring about.
Thanksgiving is deeply rooted in the idea of abundance—whether it’s a bountiful harvest or the wealth of family, friends, and good fortune. But true thanksgiving isn’t just about receiving or even expressing thanks; it’s about recognizing how gratitude transforms into a powerful force for action.
Generosity is the natural extension of gratitude. When we are deeply grateful, the impulse to share grows stronger. Philosopher David Whyte speaks to this transformation, noting that “Gratitude is the understanding that many millions of things come together and live together and mesh together and breathe together in order for you to take another breath.” This interconnectedness becomes a compelling reason to give back.
Increasingly, gratitude is expressed through action, with people seeking to make their giving more purposeful and effective. A report by Ocorian reveals that family offices now expect tangible outcomes from their philanthropic endeavors. About 67% of these organizations expect measurable returns on at least 25% of their donations, reflecting a desire for accountability and impactful results.
Giving Beyond Material Wealth
Family office philanthropy often conjures images of grand gestures—large donations or multimillion-dollar foundations—but giving is as much about intention as it is about scale. Micro-philanthropy, the practice of giving small amounts with great impact, democratizes the act of generosity. It connects with initiatives like Giving Tuesday, and the focus is on working together instead of individual recognition.
Consider the myriad ways to give:
- Time: Volunteering at a local shelter, mentoring, or simply lending a listening ear can be transformative.
- Skills: Sharing professional expertise with nonprofits or underprivileged communities offers tools for long-term empowerment.
- Resources: Whether it’s donating books to a library or funding scholarships, these gifts create opportunities that outlive the moment.
On a different scale, there are also other innovative approaches like trust-based philanthropy, championed by wealthy individuals like MacKenzie Scott, are also gaining traction. This model provides unrestricted funds to nonprofits, allowing them the flexibility to address needs autonomously.
Additionally, younger philanthropists are reshaping the landscape with a focus on transparency, collaboration, and addressing systemic injustices. Venture philanthropy and other innovative approaches underscore the dynamic and inclusive nature of modern giving.
Giving The Ripple Effect
Generosity is contagious. A landmark study from the University of California found that one act of kindness can inspire dozens more through social networks. This ripple effect underscores the importance of giving not just for immediate outcomes but also for the broader culture it cultivates.
The Thanksgiving table becomes a microcosm of this effect. Sharing stories of impact or setting collective goals for giving during the holiday season can inspire families and communities to think about how their combined efforts can transform lives. For instance, the Canva Foundation’s significant contributions demonstrate how large-scale philanthropy can inspire and lead others to follow suit.
A Season for Generosity
As Thanksgiving ushers in the holiday season, it challenges us to think about gratitude not as a feeling but as an action. It invites us to transition from being thankful for what we have to be proactive in sharing it. Philanthropy—whether grand or humble—is a timeless expression of this spirit. This Thanksgiving, ask yourself:
- Who has made an impact on my life, and how can I pay it forward?
- What resources, time, or skills can I offer to causes I care about?
- How can I inspire others to join me in giving?
Let Thanksgiving and Giving Tuesday be more than dates on a calendar. Let them ignite a lifetime of generosity, demonstrating that giving, like gratitude, is not seasonal but perennial—a thread that binds us together in humanity.