Upon receiving my first paycheck after graduation, I pledge to set up a giving-specific bank account in which I will deposit 10 percent of every paycheck. This bank account will be given toward well-researched causes consistently, with room left for spontaneous giving. Each year, I will reevaluate my financial situation to determine if I can increase the percentage of my pay that goes into the the account as I build margin between my living expenses and savings. Especially while I am still in school, I also pledge to give a consistent amount of time, based on my schedule, to an organization well suited to both my passions and skills. Furthermore, as my career progresses, I pledge to use the graduate education I have been graciously given by philanthropists to implement innovative strategies in nonprofit governance either through work for a nonprofit or through service on a board, either of which would be for an organization that aligns with my values. Lastly, I pledge to immediately begin having at least one conversation per month regarding giving with family and friends, both to share the wealth of knowledge I have gained on giving best practices as well as to reflect on my own giving.

The Nature of Giving Class has taught me not only how to be a good giver but to be reflective, thoughtful, and analytical with my giving. Throughout the semester I have been forced to reflect on my values of giving and how I intend to give in the future. Personally, without setting a measurable standard, I know that I will have a difficult time accomplishing my giving goals. With that being said, I pledge to give 5% of my income each year for the first 10 years of my career and increasing that to 10% from there on out. I am setting these standards right now, without an accurate prediction of my income after college which makes it difficult. Given my income is unknown, I plan on reevaluating after every 2 years to determine if I can be giving more based on my salary. I recognize that the first few years of one’s career involve lower salaries and requires establishing oneself in the career path. This explains my lower giving percentage rather than no giving at all. Giving is supposed to be hard, it challenges us intellectually and in some circumstances financially. We must make these sacrifices for those that are less fortunate than us. I recognize that giving does not only involve money but time, talents, and effort. I promise to dedicate at least 20 hours a year to volunteering at a nonprofit of choice. I also intend to use my nutrition degree to help those underserved or that cannot afford the proper medical attention they may need. This class and task has forced me to deeply reflect on my values and the importance of helping others. I am thankful for the reflections that have been forced upon me and the many more that I will encounter due to my relationship with giving.

Post-graduation, I pledge to donate a minimum of 10% of my income to at least one organization that I have researched in my area. I want to reevaluate the amount as my income possibly increases to also increase the amount given. Besides donating money to an organization, I hope to also donate my time and talent to a nonprofit, likely the same one that I am donating to. I hope to volunteer on a regular basis, at least biweekly, whether that is helping with office duties, serving on a board, or helping with something as seemingly simple as yardwork. I want to help the nonprofit in a way that benefits them the most. By donating my money, time, and talent, I can have a greater impact on the nonprofit of my choosing. I want to also pledge to continue to educate myself on best practices for nonprofit work, as it will allow me to serve others better.