What is GivingTuesday?

GivingTuesday is a global generosity movement unleashing the power of radical generosity. GivingTuesday was created in 2012 as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good. Since then, it has grown into a year-round global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity.

This year, GivingTuesday is on Tuesday, December 1, 2026.

Join Head Start California this GivingTuesday through these three ways to make an impact:

Give Time: Support Head Start by volunteering locally, spreading awareness on social media, or organizing a community donation drive for educational supplies or winter clothing. Help make a difference in early childhood education and Head Start’s mission in California.
Give Gratitude: Show appreciation for Head Start teachers, parents, and caregivers by sending messages or sharing stories of their positive impact. Raise awareness by highlighting how Head Start has benefited your family or community.
Give Support: Support Head Start California by donating to fund the vital work we do. Encourage corporate matching to multiply the impact of contributions.

About Head Start California

Founded in 1995, Head Start California is the premier advocacy organization for Head Start agencies throughout California. Head Start California advocates for its members at the federal, state and local level ensuring that members speak with a unified voice about the challenges facing California’s most vulnerable families, and the Head Start community that serves them. We serve as a vital resource and advocate for nearly 140 Head Start programs in the state, ensuring they have the support, training, and advocacy needed to deliver high-quality services to children and their families.

At Head Start California, we are driven by one mission: to give every child in California, regardless of their circumstances, the opportunity to thrive. As the leading advocate for Head Start and Early Head Start programs across the state, we are committed to uplifting children and families through education, advocacy, and comprehensive support services. Watch this 5-minute video to learn more:

Why Support Head Start California?

Your donation to Head Start California is an investment in a stronger, more equitable future for children and families across the state. Here’s how your contribution makes a difference:

Promote Quality Education: Help Head Start programs provide the best early childhood education possible.
Advocate for Children and Families: Strengthen our voice in advocating for the resources and policies that benefit low-income families.
Build Stronger Communities: Empower families and communities through comprehensive support services and educational opportunities.
Foster Innovation: Support the development and sharing of best practices in early childhood education, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive.

Your support ensures that we can continue our work to create brighter futures for children and families across California.

Join us and donate now!

#GivingTuesday

Whatever you do, we want to know about it! Post a message on social media by finishing this sentence “I gave my time to Head Start by…”; “I expressed gratitude by…” ; or “I gave to Head Start California because…” Be sure to tag us: Facebook: @headstartca, X:@caheadstart, Instagram: @headstartca, and LinkedIn: @headstartcalifornia, along with the hashtag #GivingTuesday, so we can repost!

FAQ

Do I have to wait until Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2026 to donate?

No, you don't have to wait! If you donate today, your support to count toward our $5,000 GivingTuesday goal.

Can I sign up for monthly giving?

Yes! Feel free to make a donation on this page for our GivingTuesday campaign. Then, please visit our year-round donations page to set up a recurring gift.

Is my gift tax deductible?

Yes! HSC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit so the full base amount of your gift (not including processing fees and tips) is a tax-deductible donation.

Giving Tuesday 2026 - Head Start California

Help us create a brighter future for California's most vulnerable children