MILWAUKEE— December 1 marks Giving Tuesday, a day where people around the country are urged to donate time or money to nonprofits and charitable causes.
Giving Tuesday has existed since 2012, but this year it is taking on a new meaning, as many nonprofit organizations are struggling financially.
One of those hopeful organizations is the Milwaukee Children's Choir. With classes canceled and performance contracts lost due to the COVID-19 pandemic, executive director Bill Busch says the group is navigating a difficult financial road. The choir is asking for donations via social media and their website.
The need for monetary support is taking the spotlight, but Busch says Giving Tuesday is about more than finances this year.
“It is raising some funds to help offset some revenue, but also just to keep our name out there to keep us front of mind awareness with people for everyone to know the Milwaukee Children's Choir is alive and well," he said.
Another non-profit hoping for a boost is the Racine Zoo.
Between capacity limits and more than 70 days of being closed this year, Beth Heidorn, the zoo's executive director, said she estimates they have lost several hundred thousand dollars in revenue.
Heidorn said people realize they don’t need to make a large financial donation in order to make a difference.