In 2012, the Tuesday after Thanksgiving was deemed Giving Tuesday. It’s a day to expand on the thankfulness felt during the holiday and encourage people to do good.

To participate in Giving Tuesday this Nov. 29, according to a press release, you can follow these tips provided by Valley experts on the most effective ways to give back.

Give locally

There are more than 20,000 nonprofit organizations registered in Arizona, and each one needs support, not just on Giving Tuesday, but all year round.

“Local nonprofits can use all the help we can get,” said Beth Fiorenza, director of Nourish Phoenix, a food and clothing bank in central Phoenix. “On any given day, we serve hundreds of Valley families by providing food, clothing and resources. The only way we are able to do this is through volunteerism and community support.”

Nourish Phoenix, Hope 4 Kids International and Phoenix Police Foundation are just a few of the nonprofits asking for support on Giving Tuesday.

Give internationally

If you’re looking to expand an impact past Arizona’s borders, there are numerous organizations focused on providing positive impact internationally. Hope 4 Kids International is a Phoenix-based nonprofit but it serves impoverished communities across the world.

“One of the benefits to giving internationally is your dollar goes further overseas,” said Mark Sorensen, senior development director of Hope 4 Kids International. “Underdeveloped communities around the world experience deficits for which solutions already exist. We are able to use the funding we receive to get these communities their basic necessities to help prevent poverty and disease.”

Give to organizations that fit your interests

Another great way to give is by donating time or money to an organization that supports a cause you’re passionate about such as animals in need or first responders. Search for nonprofits that align with your personal values and interests.

“If you are giving your time, energy and money to an organization, you should make sure their values are compatible with your personal mission,” said Timothy Thomas, president of the Phoenix Police Foundation. “During our campaigns, we have seen support from people and businesses that are interested in helping many different programs within the Phoenix Police Department. We receive general need donations as well as those that directly benefit youth programs, fallen officer funds, K9 units and specialty projects.”

Give safely

When searching for a nonprofit to give back to this Giving Tuesday, make sure to research the organization prior to donating. There are many resources to help review a charity’s effectiveness and make sure it fulfills its promises.

To review the organization’s proof of success, cost effectiveness and accountability, check out websites like Charity Navigator, Charity Watch, Guide Star and Give Well that deliver quantitative evaluations of nonprofits.

This Giving Tuesday, remember that every act of generosity counts. What may feel like a modest deed can make a major impact to those in need. Giving creates a ripple effect of positive change in our communities and across the globe.

For more information on how to support the nonprofits mentioned in this article. Visit these websites:

• nourishphx.org,
• hope4kidsinternational.org,
• phoenixpolicefoundation.org.