Giving Tuesday Tanzania is part of the global Giving Tuesday movement, a worldwide celebration of generosity that transcends borders, beliefs, and social status. Launched globally in 2012 by the Belfer Center for Innovation & Social Impact at the 92nd Street Y in New York, the initiative emerged as a counterbalance to consumer-focused events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
It is a day when individuals, communities, and organizations come together to give back—not only through money but also through time, skills, resources, and compassion. Over the years, Giving Tuesday has grown into a global generosity movement, now active in over 90 countries, including Tanzania.
Ubuntu: At its heart, Giving Tuesday Tanzania reflects the values of ubuntu, the belief that “I am because we are.” It seeks to rekindle traditional forms of community support and solidarity that have long defined Tanzanian society.
In Tanzania, the Foundation for Civil Society (FCS) introduced Giving Tuesday in 2016, recognizing the need to promote local philanthropy and foster a culture of giving from within.
Check Out the Foundation For Civil Society
Support Communities Directly
Enable citizens to provide direct support to their own communities, creating immediate and lasting impact.
Strengthen Trust
Build stronger bonds of trust between citizens and civil society through transparent local action.
Encourage Innovation
Foster innovation and self-reliance by empowering local solutions to local challenges.
Sustain Social Initiatives
Ensure social programs continue even when donor funding ends, creating sustainable change.
From 2016 to 2024, Karin Rupia served as the Global Giving Tuesday Tanzania Leader, providing exceptional vision and dedication to establish the movement across the country. Under her stewardship, Giving Tuesday Tanzania grew into a collaborative platform bringing together youth, NGOs, private sector actors, and individuals to celebrate and practice generosity.
In 2025, leadership transitioned to Alice Lissa Zayumba, who is steering the next chapter of the movement. Her focus is on deepening community engagement, supporting grassroots initiatives, and empowering young leaders to sustain the culture of giving through local innovation and storytelling.
2016-2017: Laying The Foundations
The movement began with small but powerful acts of compassion that set the tone for a movement driven by unity and practical generosity.
2016: Inaugural Celebration
FCS marked the inaugural celebration with children with disabilities at Uhuru Mchanganyiko Primary School in Dar es Salaam, emphasizing inclusion and empathy.
2017: Life-Saving Impact
Partnering with stakeholders, citizens raised funds for children with Hydrocephalus and Spina Bifida at Muhimbili Orthopedic Institute (MOI).
- 91 life-saving surgeries funded and completed
- 101 annual health insurance plans provided
- Demonstrated the power of collective giving for medical care
2018: Giving Story & Community Philanthropy
The 2018 Giving Tuesday Tanzania campaign marked a turning point. FCS expanded the scope of the initiative, linking storytelling, service, and social media engagement to inspire participation nationwide.
#MyGivingStory (Utoaji Wangu Hazina Yangu)
A national storytelling contest inviting youth (18–35) to share personal stories of giving. Five winners were celebrated for their impactful contributions, proof that every person can make a difference.
Blood Donation Drive at MOI
- 32 units of blood collected to support hospital patients
- An act that saved lives and strengthened the culture of volunteerism
Support for New Hope for Girls
- Over TZS 10 million in monetary and in-kind contributions mobilized
- 38 rescued girls supported under Ms. Consoler Eliya
- Coverage for education, shelter, and basic needs
Community-wide Celebrations
Across Tanzania, schools and organizations carried out a range of unique activities:
- Tree planting initiatives
- Environmental cleaning campaigns
- Visits to health centers
- Support for vulnerable children
These efforts demonstrated how Giving Tuesday could serve as a platform for local action and impact.
2019-2024: Expanding Reach & Sustaining Momentum
2019: Digital Engagement
- Social media became a powerful tool for storytelling and mobilizing resources
- More youth participated through digital platforms
- Expanded reach beyond physical events
2020–2022: Resilience During the Pandemic
- Despite the pandemic, communities continued giving
- Donations and awareness campaigns adapted to new realities
- Acts of kindness within neighborhoods strengthened bonds
- Proved that generosity thrives even in challenging times
2023: Community Recovery & Rebuilding
- The movement was relaunched with a focus on community recovery
- New partnerships formed with youth groups, schools, and NGOs
- Re-energized local philanthropy efforts
- Strengthened organizational capacity
2024: Highlighting Changemakers
The campaign highlighted changemakers working in diverse areas, showing that giving is multidimensional and inclusive:
- Education initiatives and scholarship programs
- Health and wellness campaigns
- Climate action and environmental conservation
- Women’s empowerment projects
2025 & Beyond: Empowering Local Leaders
The 2025 Giving Tuesday Tanzania campaign marks a new era of local ownership and innovation.
Focus Areas for 2025
This year’s focus is on strengthening organizations and individuals who are already making a difference in their communities:
Engaging Trained Local Organizations
- FCS is collaborating with groups previously trained in local fundraising and resource mobilization
- Helping them activate and showcase their initiatives during Giving Tuesday
- Organizations supported to design campaigns that mobilize local support
- Attracting partnerships and telling their giving stories
- Building sustainable fundraising capacity
Supporting Spark Chapter Leaders
Two exceptional youth leaders representing Spark Chapters in Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar are being supported as champions of youth philanthropy:
- Engaging their peers in creative acts of giving
- Representing the energy and innovation of Tanzania’s young generation
- Leading grassroots movements in their communities
- Demonstrating that youth are powerful agents of change
Through these strategies, Giving Tuesday Tanzania 2025 aims to create a ripple effect of generosity—one where giving becomes part of daily life, and every citizen feels empowered to contribute to positive change.
Showcase Impact
Highlight the meaningful work being done by organizations across Tanzania and celebrate their achievements.
Mobilize Resources Locally
Build capacity to raise funds and resources from within Tanzania, reducing external dependence.
Strengthen Community Trust
Build credibility and trust between organizations and the communities they serve.
Inspire Collective Action
Drive collaborative efforts toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
