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Philanthropy Friday: Six Lessons I Learned While Pledging to Donate Every Month

jennifer · January 17, 2014 · 18 Comments

Each Friday, the another jennifer blog shares stories of those who incorporate philanthropy into their everyday lives – personally and professionally – in a creative and unique way. If you have a story you’d like to share, please contact Jennifer. You can view past posts from the series here.

Today is a travel day for Philanthropy Friday. I’m sending you over to GOOD.

Are you a member of GOOD yet? You should be. It’s a community for people who give a damn.

I’m reflecting on the six lessons I learned by donating every month through my Giving Pledge. Here’s a preview:

In February of 2012, I started my very own Giving Pledge. I was frustrated by the lack of donations to worthy nonprofits on my part at the end of 2011.
The problem was that my husband and I didn’t make giving a priority throughout the year. Once the “giving season” and the last chance to get those tax-deductible donations in arrived, we simply couldn’t afford to donate a lot of money all at once. Not many people can, I suspect.
I noted that waiting until the end of the year to donate money to a good cause is a terrible giving strategy.
I should know better, considering I’ve worked in nonprofit development and fundraising in some capacity for nearly 10 years. There’s a need for money year round, not just in December.
Since I declared my Giving Pledge –  to donate to at least one nonprofit each month – I’ve blogged about whom I’ve donated to and why. My goal was for my husband and I to give to more organizations and feel better about our philanthropic efforts at the end of the year.
After two full years of my Giving Pledge, I can safely say “mission accomplished.” Compared to my 2011, my charitable contributions when up significantly in 2012 and 2013. Looking back at my donations in these two years, I learned a few things about myself and my giving habits.

Read the full article Six Lessons I Learned While Pledging to Donate Every Month on GOOD and leave a comment if you have a moment.
I hope it will inspire you to consider your own giving pledge. It’s easier than you think. I promise.

GOODScreen Shot 2014-01-16

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Comments

  1. The Dose of Reality says

    January 17, 2014 at 7:30 am

    Heading over right how. Great topic!! –Lisa

    Reply
    • anotherjennifer says

      January 17, 2014 at 7:54 am

      Thanks for your comment on GOOD, Lisa!

      Reply
  2. Tamara says

    January 17, 2014 at 9:23 am

    oooh!! Going!!

    Reply
    • anotherjennifer says

      January 17, 2014 at 10:17 am

      Thanks, Tamara. Always appreciate your support.

      Reply
  3. Chris Carter says

    January 17, 2014 at 9:32 am

    Oh this is a good one! “Good”- get it? LOL!! Yeah- I know.
    And btw- I totally am a member because of you- and AND my best friend Tammy signed up for Love with food!!! Oh yeah baby!!

    Reply
    • anotherjennifer says

      January 17, 2014 at 10:29 am

      You always put a smile on my face, Chris. 🙂

      Reply
  4. Bev says

    January 17, 2014 at 10:53 am

    #1 & #4 are really big for me. I have donated time and money to organizations over the years because they have personal meaning to me or to someone I am close with, and I really like knowing what the money is going toward. One year for Sam’s birthday I “bought” him an alpaca field via Oxfam after we spent 5 months traveling in South America–it had so much meaning for both of us, and I really liked the idea of it (in theory) going toward something specific.

    Reply
    • anotherjennifer says

      January 17, 2014 at 11:04 am

      I like it too, Bev. I think many of us think we don’t have enough money to give, but when you see exactly what your money can provide to others, it’s eye-opening!

      Reply
  5. Nicole @ Work in Sweats Mama says

    January 17, 2014 at 11:44 am

    Heading over there to check it out. Now I just have to remember my GOOD login info…

    Reply
    • anotherjennifer says

      January 17, 2014 at 1:23 pm

      Ah, yes. This is why I just log in with Facebook. At least you can read it without having to be logged in!

      Reply
  6. AwesomelyOZ says

    January 17, 2014 at 1:01 pm

    These are some great lessons you’ve learned 🙂 What has been your favorite charity/donation/cause thus far? I think you’re right that if you know where your money is going and have a follow up afterwards it helps solidify the fact that you helped someone. Great post Jennifer! Happy Friday -Iva

    Reply
    • anotherjennifer says

      January 17, 2014 at 1:25 pm

      Thanks, Iva. I’ve got a few favorites. One of them is WaterAid. They’re great with the follow up after the donation.

      Reply
  7. Alexa says

    January 17, 2014 at 2:46 pm

    fantastic Jennifer! you know I am a mega supporter, and have certainly appreciated the support you have given me through your monthly pledge!

    Reply
    • anotherjennifer says

      January 17, 2014 at 3:05 pm

      My pleasure, Alexa. 🙂

      Reply
  8. Michelle says

    January 18, 2014 at 6:09 pm

    Just read your post there and it is wonderful of course. I commented there. Giving consistently month to month does make it easier, and I love the personal connections that you share with us.

    Reply
    • anotherjennifer says

      January 18, 2014 at 8:36 pm

      I think the personal connections make a big difference. Thanks for reading Michelle, as per usual. 🙂

      Reply
  9. Tess says

    January 19, 2014 at 9:29 am

    Im checking it out. I always am trying to find a way to give but I get lost in all the programs. This sounds like a good cause to invest in-thanks!

    Reply
    • anotherjennifer says

      January 19, 2014 at 2:11 pm

      Thanks for reading, Tess!

      Reply

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