In the heart of autumn, as leaves turn golden and temperatures cool, Thanksgiving and Giving Tuesday emerge as cherished traditions in the United States and for the countless Americans abroad. Thanksgiving is a moment to pause, reflect, and express gratitude for the blessings life has bestowed. Yet, Thanksgiving also tables the discussion for something larger than gratitude, and that is the spirit of giving.

As the holiday season commences with Thanksgiving, this sentiment dovetails with the global initiative known as Giving Tuesday, a movement that redefines generosity in a modern context. Together, these observances invite us to consider not only what we have but also how we can give to others and create ripples of positive impact in our communities and beyond.

Thanksgiving is deeply rooted in the idea of abundance—whether it's a bountiful harvest or the wealth of family, friends, and good fortune. But true Thanksgiving and Giving Tuesday aren't just about receiving or even expressing thanks; they're about recognizing how gratitude transforms into a powerful force for action.

Thanksgiving and Giving Tuesday teach us that generosity is the natural extension of gratitude. When we are deeply grateful, the impulse to share grows stronger. Philosopher David Whyte speaks to this transformation, noting that “Gratitude is the understanding that many millions of things come together and live together and mesh together and breathe together in order for you to take another breath.” This interconnectedness becomes a compelling reason to give back.

Increasingly, gratitude is expressed through action, with people seeking to make their giving more purposeful and effective on Thanksgiving and Giving Tuesday. A report by Ocorian reveals that family offices now expect tangible outcomes from their philanthropic endeavors. About 67% of these organizations expect measurable returns on at least 25% of their donations, reflecting a desire for accountability and impactful results.

Family office philanthropy often conjures images of grand gestures—large donations or multimillion-dollar foundations—but giving is as much about intention as it is about scale. Micro-philanthropy, the practice of giving small amounts with great impact, democratizes the act of generosity. It connects with initiatives like Giving Tuesday, and the focus is on working together instead of individual recognition.

Read the full article about Thanksgiving and Giving Tuesday by Francois Botha at Forbes.