A Guide to Giving Back During the Holidays

As the holiday season and spirit of giving approach, many of us seek ways to make a positive impact. One key moment, Giving Tuesday, kicks off the giving season on the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving — falling on December 3rd in 2024. This day sparks generosity globally, helping nonprofits reach fundraising goals and advance meaningful work through the end of the year. Let’s explore how to give back during the holidays, and specifically how supporting organizations like the Sea Otter Foundation & Trust can make a lasting difference for wildlife and the environment.

What Is Giving Tuesday, and When Does Giving Season Begin?

Founded in 2012, Giving Tuesday has transformed the holiday season by fostering a worldwide day of giving. Falling amid the holiday shopping rush, Giving Tuesday offers a moment to pivot from commercialism to charitable giving. Each year, people come together to support causes they care about, and in 2023 alone, donations on this day surpassed $3.1 billion. But Giving Tuesday is more than just a single day — it marks the start of Giving Season, a period that extends through the holidays and wraps up on December 31st.

Nonprofits count on this season for vital funding. In 2023, total U.S. charitable contributions reached $557.16 billion, nearly half of which was raised during this concentrated period. Supporting charities during Giving Season enables organizations to meet year-end goals, boost impact, and plan for the year ahead.

Why the Holiday Season Is Crucial for Nonprofits

Nonprofits rely heavily on end-of-year giving. Statistics from Charity Navigator show that 30% to 50% of charitable giving occurs during the holiday season, making it a crucial time for securing funds that can sustain organizations in the new year. For organizations like us at SOFT, this season also provides a unique opportunity to engage supporters who feel inspired by the spirit of giving.

These statistics reveal why Giving Season is vital for nonprofits and why holiday charitable giving is especially impactful. During these months, nonprofits can reach more people, build stronger communities, and generate funds to protect our planet’s future.

How to Give During the Holidays: Support the Sea Otter Foundation and Trust

If you’re looking for holiday gifts that benefit charity, consider supporting nonprofits like SOFT, which works tirelessly to protect endangered sea otters. Through the foundation’s adoption campaign, you can give a unique, meaningful gift — perfect for the animal enthusiast in your life — while contributing to conservation.

What’s in a Sea Otter Adoption Package?

Adoptive donations include items that make perfect gifts for wildlife lovers. In the adoption packages, recipients receive items such as:

• A 2025 sea otter calendar showcasing beautiful sea otter photography
• 8” x 10” frameable photos capturing otters in their natural habitat
• Fact cards with information on distinguishing sea otters from river otters
• Stuffed animals, tote bags, and more

These holiday gifts benefit charity and serve as reminders of the important work being done to protect sea otters. You can purchase a package directly from SOFT’s website, knowing that your contribution supports both environmental conservation and education efforts.

Ways to Give Back This Holiday Season

There are numerous ways to celebrate gift-giving holidays while giving back to the community and the environment. Here are some thoughtful holiday charity ideas:

• Sponsor Wildlife and Nature Conservation: By supporting organizations like the Sea Otter Foundation & Trust, you’re directly contributing to the protection of sea otters and other marine ecosystems. Consider a unique gift for nature enthusiasts by symbolically adopting an otter. 
   
• Purchase Charity-Made Holiday Gifts: Nonprofits often sell items that support their missions, from artwork and apparel to calendars and eco-friendly products. The Sea Otter Foundation and Trust’s holiday calendar and sea otter plush toys are great holiday gifts that benefit a good cause — a perfect way to combine gift-giving holidays with conservation.
   
• Donate to Year-End Campaigns: Many charities launch special fundraising drives as part of their year-end giving strategy. Participating in these campaigns helps nonprofits meet funding goals, allowing them to operate more effectively. Consider donating to initiatives like the Sea Otter Foundation and Trust to create a lasting impact.
   
• Volunteer Your Time or Skills: Volunteering is an invaluable way to contribute, especially if financial donations aren’t feasible. Many nonprofits have virtual volunteer opportunities, allowing you to lend a hand from anywhere.

Embrace the Spirit of Giving This Holiday Season

Giving Season offers an ideal time to reflect on what matters most and to consider how to give back during the holidays. Supporting conservation efforts like those championed by the Sea Otter Foundation and Trust provides a meaningful way to contribute. As you shop for gifts and celebrate the season, consider adopting an otter or donating directly to SOFT.

By participating in holiday charitable giving, you’re making a real difference — not just for today but for generations to come. Whether you’re choosing a symbolic adoption, volunteering your time, or contributing to year-end campaigns, each act of kindness strengthens the fabric of our society and preserves the wonders of the natural world. Embrace the holiday spirit, and make this Giving Season one to remember.

At SOFT, we work to ensure the survival and recovery of sea otters in their habitats by building funds to support research, conservation, and education. You can learn more about the all-important efforts of our grant recipients by watching our interviews with them.