Giving Tuesday in Michigan 2025

Happy Giving Tuesday! Like last year, I'm concentrating on Michigan, beginning with WDIV/Click on Detroit/Local 4 explaining How to ensure donations go to the right place on Giving Tuesday.

Ahead of Giving Tuesday, Nakia Mills from the Better Business Bureau advises donors to verify charities before donating to ensure their money is used as intended. The BBB recommends checking the accreditation and financial practices of charities on their website as a precautionary measure.

Good advice, the kind I would given about security if I had celebrated Cyber Monday yesterday instead of World AIDS Day.

WDIV suggested a charitible cause in Donate to THAW this Giving Tuesday to support Michigan families with utility bills.

On Giving Tuesday, donations will be collected for THAW, the Heat and Warmth Fund, to assist people in crisis with utility bills during winter. THAW offers more than just bill assistance, including energy-efficient home improvements as experienced by beneficiary Byron Spivey. Serving families with children, seniors, and veterans, THAW helped 11,000 homes with $10 million last year, with over 80% of donations going directly to services. The organization aims to enhance the long-term health and financial security of Michigan neighborhoods with additional support like home assessments and appliances.

Not only does THAW pay people's utility bills, it pays for energy conservation upgrades. I approve.

Moving to the other side of the state, WOOD-TV in Grand Rapids described The mental health benefits of giving.

Learn more about the mental health benefits of giving ahead of Giving Tuesday. (Dec. 1, 2025)

I used to be a director of a nonprofit. I can tell you that a physical quarter in a Salvation Army kettle will probably be a net benefit, but any online donation less than a dollar will likely cost the charity money in processing fees.

That's a wrap for today. Stay tuned for comedy tomorrow.