NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — Your email inbox was likely filled with organizations asking for money on Tuesday, and that’s a good thing for local nonprofits and the people they serve.

GivingTuesday started with a hashtag in 2012 as a simple idea encouraging people to do good.
Last year, an estimated $3.1 billion were donated in the U.S. in a 24 hour period.

Local charities are hoping for another big year to fund community projects and services.

“I always encourage people to give to places that they care about, you know, things that mean a lot to them, but also encourage people to give locally,” President & CEO of the United Way of South Hampton Roads Mark Uren said.

The United Way of South Hampton Roads works with just over 100 local nonprofit organizations.

Donations are flat year to year, Uren said, but the need for help is going up.

“The need in our community is definitely there. And I encourage people to do a little bit of research, get to know the organizations that they’re giving to, understand the mission, understand how their dollars are being impacted,” said Uren.

Attorney General Jason Miyares cautions donors to look out for scams.

  • Look for charities you know and trust
  • Avoid high-pressure tactics
  • Request detailed information about the charity’s programs and services in writing
  • Understand how much of your donation will go to those programs and services
  • Check whether the charity is registered with the Office of Charitable and Regulatory Programs

If you can’t give money, consider giving your time.

“Because a lot of the nonprofits rely on volunteers to be able to do the things that they need to do,” Volunteer Hampton Roads CEO Maerine Mitchell said.

From filling food pantry shelves, to planting trees, Volunteer Hampton Roads connects people of all ages with nonprofit organizations.

“There’s less volunteers and youth education. And we’ve also noticed that a lot of organizations are looking for volunteers to help with their fundraising,” Mitchell said.

The idea behind GivingTuesday is simple, everyone has something they can give to build a better community.