As I think about my future goals for giving, I want my approach to be both intentional and impactful, rather than reactive or purely emotional. Throughout this course, I’ve learned that effective philanthropy requires more than just good intentions, it requires thoughtful decision-making, an understanding of root causes, and a willingness to engage with complexity. Because of that, my goal is to give in a way that balances both immediate needs and long-term systemic change. In the future, I hope to focus my giving on areas where I feel personally connected, particularly supporting children and education, which has always been important to me through my past experiences working with kids. I believe that investing in early education and youth development has a compounding impact over time, shaping not only individual lives but entire communities. I also want to prioritize investing in our planet, recognizing that environmental sustainability is deeply interconnected with economic and social outcomes. Beyond these specific areas, I am especially drawn to supporting organizations that work to change the systems that create inequality, rather than only addressing the symptoms. Another important goal for me is to approach giving with humility and a willingness to learn. This class has shown me how important it is to rely on data, evaluation, and the expertise of organizations and communities themselves, rather than assuming that donors know best. I want to support organizations in ways that build trust, such as through flexible or general operating support, and to be thoughtful about not reinforcing harmful dynamics like the nonprofit starvation cycle. At the same time, I hope to invest in organizations that are not only effective today but are also working toward long-term, systemic change. Finally, I want my giving to extend beyond financial contributions. I hope to give my time, skills, and attention, especially by using my background in data and analytics to help organizations better understand and communicate their impact. Ultimately, my goal is to ensure that my giving is aligned with my values, grounded in evidence, and contributes to building more equitable systems and sustainable communities over time. I hope that revisiting this vision in the future will remind me not only of what I wanted to achieve, but also of the mindset I hoped to maintain, one of curiosity, responsibility, and a commitment to making a meaningful difference.

I pledge to donate 10% of my pre-tax salary every year, half to local food and shelter causes, and half to international aid and food causes. If my salary increases to $250,000 or more, I pledge to donate 20% of my pre-tax salary every year to similar causes. If my salary increases to $500,000 or more, I pledge to donate 25% of my pre-tax salary every year to similar causes. If my salary increases to $1,000,000 or more, I pledge to donate 30% of my pre-tax salary every year to similar causes.