Giving Tuesday and beyond: How to make immediate, lasting impacts through charitable giving

This paid piece is sponsored by DakotAbilities.

Each November, charitable giving takes center stage in the nonprofit world with events like South Dakota Gives and Giving Tuesday, the Tuesday following Thanksgiving — this year on Dec. 3.

South Dakota Gives, a statewide initiative aligned with the global Giving Tuesday movement, highlights the incredible power of collective generosity.

These events encourage individuals, families and businesses to support nonprofit organizations that make a difference in their communities. While these campaigns emphasize immediate contributions, they also provide an excellent opportunity to consider how legacy gifts — through beneficiary designations, wills and trusts — can create a lasting impact.

“South Dakota Gives, Giving Tuesday and year-end appeals play a big role in our strategy of ensuring growth and opportunities for the people we support,” said Shelly Johnson, director of development at DakotAbilities.

“One hundred percent of donations made to DakotAbilities are donor-directed, meaning a donor can choose to support day services; capital expenses such as construction, vehicles and assistive equipment; or our endowment fund. No part of their donation is used to cover operational expenses.”

What to consider when making charitable contributions 

Charitable giving is uniquely personal, Johnson said.

“Every donor has his or her own reasons and motivation for giving, why they give and who they give to,” she continued. “For some, perhaps they or a family member have been touched by the work of a nonprofit. Or maybe something they’ve seen or heard tugs at their heartstrings. In every instance, giving from the heart feels good, but it’s also important to understand how your gift will be distributed and used to make the impact you intend it to make.”

Before making a gift, consider the following:

• Choose what resonates with you and your values and prioritize organizations making an impact in those areas.
• Verify the legitimacy of a charity by reviewing their tax-exempt status and reputation with resources like Charity Navigator and GuideStar.
• Look for charities that demonstrate measurable outcomes and have a track record of success.
• Consider how easily you can engage with a nonprofit before and after your gift.

“Asking to meet in person, requesting a tour and inquiring about outcomes are questions every development director welcomes from donors,” Johnson said. “If the nonprofit you’re considering isn’t open to those things or if you feel they’re not being transparent with you, please consider moving on to supporting nonprofits that meet those criteria.”

Legacy giving

Charitable giving through legacy gifts is more than a financial decision — it is a deeply personal commitment to ensuring a lasting impact for generations to come on causes a donor cares about. Legacy gifts, often referred to as planned giving, are donations made as part of an individual’s estate planning through beneficiary designations, wills and trusts. South Dakota trust laws are very favorable, and while “we don’t present ourselves as experts or give advice on planned giving, we do connect individuals with local subject matter experts, and we can be present at those meetings to answer questions specific to our nonprofit,” Johnson said.

Whether contributing to the momentum of South Dakota Gives or Giving Tuesday or choosing to include nonprofits in your legacy giving plans, gifts of all sizes make a meaningful difference, demonstrating that generosity is not about the amount but the impact and momentum it creates. By giving what you can, you become part of a collective effort to lift up people and entire communities.

“We value every volunteer and donor, and we try very hard to relay that gratitude in all that we do and in every interaction,” Johnson said. “The need to support individuals with disabilities will always be there, and through donor generosity, we’ll continue making strides in advocacy and ensuring each person we support lives a life full of opportunities.”

For information on DakotAbilities, visit dakotabilities.org.