As we come into the home stretch of 2025, I'm thrilled to share today's interview with Asha Curran, CEO and co-founder of GivingTuesday, the global generosity movement now active in 111+ countries.
Asha shares the origin story of GivingTuesday, which began as a three-month experiment inside the 92nd Street Y and has since grown into one of the most significant grassroots social change movements in the world—one built on radical trust, co-ownership, and the belief that every person has something to give.
Together, we explore how generosity strengthens communities, how charities can evolve beyond transactional fundraising, and why participation—not just money—is the true engine of long-term impact.
We also discuss the deep civic implications of everyday giving, the rise of collective movements, and how each of us can live more generously—not just on one day a year, but in the way we walk through life.
Whether you work at a nonprofit, care about charities in your community, or simply want inspiration for how you can make a bigger impact, this is a conversation for every changemaker.
🔑 Key Topics & Insights
The origin of GivingTuesday: how a simple experiment became a global movement.
Radical co-ownership and how GivingTuesday succeeded by letting people “remix” the idea.
Why generosity is civic participation—and a predictor of community health.
The shift from donors → owners and why the language of philanthropy needs to change.
The rise of collective giving: giving circles, coalition campaigns, and community-led change.
Why trust is a two-way street for nonprofits and their supporters
How nonprofits can stop thinking transactionally and start thinking relationally.
What everyday generosity looks like—and why small acts matter more than ever.
How generosity is like running: big race vs. everyday training.
Asha’s call to action for GivingTuesday: do something generous… and then turn to the person next to you and do something kind for them, too.
📌 Favorite Moments
Asha recalling the very first GivingTuesday, when nonprofits spontaneously started changing the logo—and why instead of sending cease-and-desist letters, they embraced the remixing.
The discussion on “peer-to-peer voice” and why it’s just as important as peer-to-peer fundraising.
How changing a tire illustrates the joy and humanity of helping others.
The analogy between training for a race and building a culture of generosity.
💡 Asha’s Call to Action
Give to a cause you care about.
Share why it matters to you.
Turn to the person next to you and do something kind.
Generosity is not just financial. It’s connection, care, belonging, and showing up.
👤 About Asha Curran
Asha Curran is the CEO of GivingTuesday, a global generosity movement active in over 111 countries. Named one of Time Magazine’s Most Influential People in Philanthropy. Asha is a leading voice on civic participation, community-led change, and the future of generosity.