Every year, on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, millions of people come together to create a wave of generosity around the world. This year, Giving Tuesday falls on December 3, 2024, marking a special day when people can give back to their communities in countless ways—from donations and volunteer time to raising awareness for causes close to their hearts. This Giving Tuesday let’s celebrate and shine a light on a few organizations, and their design-forward workplaces, driving positive change and empowering communities with social good. Read on to discover how these nonprofits create welcoming, adaptable spaces through transformative design using commercial glass doors.
(Image courtesy of givingtuesday.org)
A Global Day of Giving Back: Why Giving Tuesday Matters
Giving Tuesday began in 2012 as a response to the consumerism surrounding Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Giving Tuesday was designed to be a day focused on the true spirit of the season—generosity and compassion. This simple idea of a dedicated day for giving has grown into a worldwide movement, spreading across 200 countries and empowering millions to show up for causes that resonate with them. Vittal to nonprofits; for many organizations, this day kickstarts their year-end fundraising efforts, enabling them to secure critical funds and support to fuel their work. Whether through donations, volunteerism, or sharing a cause online, every gesture contributes to a larger movement to build a better future!
(Image courtesy of givingtuesday.org)
12 Ways to Participate in Giving Tuesday
- Make a Donation to a cause that resonates with you.
- Volunteer Your Time and Skills at a local nonprofit.
- Fundraise for a Cause by organizing a charity event.
- Support Small Businesses that give back to the community.
- Advocate for a Cause by raising awareness online.
- Perform Random Acts of Kindness in your community.
- Donate Goods and Supplies to a local food bank or shelter.
- Take Advantage of Employer Matching if your company offers it.
- Create a Giving Circle with family or friends.
- Start a Social Media Campaign to inspire others.
- Host a Virtual Fundraiser to engage a wider audience.
Transformative Nonprofit Spaces Designed Using NanaWall Commercial Glass Doors
Maximizing resources is essential for nonprofits, and workspace adaptability can be a game-changer. Operable commercial glass doors offer a unique solution, allowing nonprofits to expand or reconfigure spaces seamlessly to fit their evolving needs. Whether opening up to create a larger event area or enclosing rooms for focused work sessions, NanaWall installations enhance flexibility, giving these organizations the freedom to adapt as their work and community requirements shift. Below, we celebrate six design-forward nonprofit spaces that are helping organizations advance change in their local communities and beyond.
Meals on Wheels Atlanta (MOWA): Ending Hunger in Atlanta, GA
For over five decades, MOWA has delivered life-sustaining meals to seniors in need. The addition of folding glass walls to MOWA’s facility has not only modernized its space but also opened it up to the community, creating a welcoming environment for meal preparation, events, and social gatherings. These commercial glass doors enable seamless indoor-outdoor flow, enhancing MOWA’s mission of serving vulnerable seniors and fostering community engagement. The aluminum framed SL70 is a floor supported system engineered with weather performance, making it the perfect solution for the extreme weather environment of Georgia.
(Image courtesy of fftc.org)
Foundation for the Carolinas: Building Community in Charlotte, NC
A philanthropic cornerstone in the Carolinas, the Foundation for the Carolinas invests in community development, education, and important social services across the region. The use of performance folding glass systems in their space echoes the foundation’s vision of fostering inclusivity and engagement, allowing the space to fully transform into an inviting setting for community events. Having achieved adaptable layouts that encourage connection, this thoughtfully designed space highlights how architecture can enhance the impactful work of organizations dedicated to strengthening communities.
Helios Education Foundation: Expanding Opportunities in FL & AZ
Helios Education Foundation, dedicated to expanding post-secondary educational opportunities in Florida and Arizona, recently embraced a sleek, modern workspace design using frameless FSW75 folding wall systems. By creating flexible, light-filled spaces, Helios crafted an environment that supports a myriad of collaborative team functions and community events. The commercial glass doors provide seamless adaptability, allowing areas like the training room, lounge, and kitchen to transform from focused workspaces into expansive, welcoming event areas.
(Image courtesy of Valerio Dewalt Train buildordie.com)
The Kresge Foundation: Growing Social Impact in Troy, MI
As a national leader in grantmaking and social investment, the Kresge Foundation’s headquarters in Troy, Michigan, embodies its commitment to equity, sustainability, and community transformation. This LEED-Platinum building seamlessly integrates modern design with environmental stewardship, featuring large, light-filled spaces and energy-efficient performance folding glass systems. These systems bring adaptability, openness, and flexibility to key areas like the foundation’s convening room, where floor-to-ceiling windows and flexible configurations support Kresge’s collaborative mission. With its innovative architecture and commitment to creating equitable opportunities, Kresge exemplifies how thoughtful design can reflect and amplify an organization’s values.
(Image courtesy of edythbush.org)
The Edyth Bush Charitable Foundation in Winter Park, FL
The Edyth Bush Charitable Foundation’s headquarters, affectionately named “The Edyth,” serves as an inspiring tribute to its namesake and her legacy of philanthropy. This 17,000-square-foot building combines architectural excellence with functional community spaces, featuring a design reminiscent of a stage to honor Edyth’s background in the arts. Central to the Foundation’s work of promoting collaboration are SL70 folding and HSW75 stacking commercial glass doors, which seamlessly connect areas like the first-floor gallery and community meeting spaces. This allows the Foundation to reconfigure spaces for various events, from art exhibitions to classes, creating an open, inviting atmosphere that reflects the Foundation’s dedication to community engagement and social good.
(Image courtesy of heckscherfoundation.org)
The Heckscher Children’s Foundation: Stewardship in New York
Dedicated to uplifting New York’s youth, the Heckscher Children’s Foundation provides vital resources in education, health, and welfare, empowering children and families to build brighter futures. With the space addition of SL60 folding commercial glass doors, the foundation’s facility now features adaptable, versatile, light-filled spaces that foster connection and engagement. The flexible design of these areas allows Heckscher to seamlessly host a range of activities, from educational workshops to community gatherings, aiding their mission to serve and inspire the next generation. Heckscher continues to invest in impactful opportunities for New York’s young people, helping them thrive in safe, supportive environments.
(Image courtesy of givingtuesday.org)
Final Thoughts
This Giving Tuesday, let’s celebrate the power of generosity and the organizations transforming lives every day. Supporting nonprofits can take many forms—whether through volunteering, donation or simply sharing their mission with others, every act of kindness helps build a more compassionate, inclusive world. Together, we can make a lasting impact, one act of kindness at a time. We’re continually inspired by the impactful work and thoughtful, accessible space design using NanaWall systems. These nonprofits spotlight how innovation can enhance community engagement and foster meaningful connections.
Explore our commercial applications gallery to learn more about how nonprofits and other impactful spaces leverage NanaWall commercial glass doors to create open, adaptable environments that empower and inspire.
(Image courtesy of givingtuesday.org)