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.
The Dose of Reality says
January 17, 2014 at 7:30 amHeading over right how. Great topic!! –Lisa
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anotherjennifer says
January 17, 2014 at 7:54 amThanks for your comment on GOOD, Lisa!
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Tamara says
January 17, 2014 at 9:23 amoooh!! Going!!
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anotherjennifer says
January 17, 2014 at 10:17 amThanks, Tamara. Always appreciate your support.
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Chris Carter says
January 17, 2014 at 9:32 amOh 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!!
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anotherjennifer says
January 17, 2014 at 10:29 amYou always put a smile on my face, Chris. 🙂
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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.
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anotherjennifer says
January 17, 2014 at 11:04 amI 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!
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Nicole @ Work in Sweats Mama says
January 17, 2014 at 11:44 amHeading over there to check it out. Now I just have to remember my GOOD login info…
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anotherjennifer says
January 17, 2014 at 1:23 pmAh, yes. This is why I just log in with Facebook. At least you can read it without having to be logged in!
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AwesomelyOZ says
January 17, 2014 at 1:01 pmThese 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
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anotherjennifer says
January 17, 2014 at 1:25 pmThanks, Iva. I’ve got a few favorites. One of them is WaterAid. They’re great with the follow up after the donation.
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Alexa says
January 17, 2014 at 2:46 pmfantastic Jennifer! you know I am a mega supporter, and have certainly appreciated the support you have given me through your monthly pledge!
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anotherjennifer says
January 17, 2014 at 3:05 pmMy pleasure, Alexa. 🙂
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Michelle says
January 18, 2014 at 6:09 pmJust 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.
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anotherjennifer says
January 18, 2014 at 8:36 pmI think the personal connections make a big difference. Thanks for reading Michelle, as per usual. 🙂
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Tess says
January 19, 2014 at 9:29 amIm 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!
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anotherjennifer says
January 19, 2014 at 2:11 pmThanks for reading, Tess!