The Mastermind Behind the #GivingTuesday Social Media Phenomenon

Retailers may be gearing up for Black Friday and Cyber Monday, but there's another phenomenon fast spreading online—Giving Tuesday—the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving (Dec. 1 this year), which encourages people and organizations around the world to give to meaningful causes.

Last year, spurred by the hashtag #GivingTuesday, people around the world donated tens of millions of dollars to charities and organizations, spreading a message of philanthropy both online and through in-person events. Many use the hashtag #GivingTuesday to spread the word about their own fundraising campaigns, while other communities have created hashtags. But like most big ideas, #GivingTuesday started with one person who had both a vision and a knack for connecting with the right people.