For a considerable period of time after I graduate, the most pragmatic philanthropic contribution I will be able to make is my time. Through various avenues, I hope to find one or two organizations that support causes I’m passionate about where I can volunteer regularly. Right now, leading potential causes would be special education and youth mentorship–both of which I have prior experience with. By building long-term relationships with organizations in this manner, I believe any financial contributions I make further down the road will be more intentional and meaningful. Once I have more to offer financially, I plan to do so. It’s hard for me to commit to a specific percentage of my income at present, but the intention will remain into the future. Eventually, I would like to serve in leadership roles, such as on boards or committees, as I grow in my capacity as a civic leader.

Upon graduating from Texas Christian University, I pledge to give at least 10% of my yearly income to my local church, missionaries, ministry staff, and partner organizations that bring justice and peace to widows, orphans, the sick, the elderly, and those in need of spiritual healing. To make this practical, I will open a dedicated savings account and split my paycheck via direct deposit, ensuring these funds are consistently set aside and used toward that purpose. One of the greatest injustices in the world is that many people never have the opportunity to clearly hear the gospel. Whether someone lives in the 10/40 window, where they may be born, live, and die without ever hearing the name of Jesus, or in our own backyard, every person is worthy of hearing the good news of Jesus! Every penny in my bank account has been graciously given to me by God for the purpose of stewarding and managing it, that the sick would be healed, captives would be set free, and that the knowledge of the Lord would cover the earth as the waters cover the sea.

In the past, I have never had to think about bringing extra money to give at mass. As I have become older and am more frequently attending mass without my parents, I want to make it a goal to set aside extra cash to be able to put in the giving box at church each week. I will make it my goal to never go to mass empty handed, even if it is only a small contribution. My father was in the military for 25 years, and multiple times throughout my childhood, someone has anonymously paid for my family’s dinner while my dad was in uniform. Once I graduate and have an established income, I want to try and do this for another military family once a year. This will allow me to give back to the military community and recognize the sacrifices they have made for our country. Wherever I end up settling in the future, I want to donate my time to an organization that I resonate with. I will make it my goal to reserve one day a month, likely a Sunday, to volunteer for an organization of my choosing. Many organizations have a shortage of volunteers, and hands-on work may mean more to them than monetary donations. Lastly, I want to make it my goal that, when I begin my career, I will practice setting 10% of my salary toward giving. My previous goals can come out of this giving fund.

My giving goal is to give of my time, talent, and treasures on a regular basis. In my young adulthood, my goal is be giving with my time and talent. As I get older, I hope to have more treasures to be giving of. My goal is to do good and be generous whenever I can. I want to tithe at least 10% of all the money I make to local organizations that support causes that are nearest and dearest to my passions.

My giving goal is to make philanthropic efforts a priority in my life. This class has taught me the importance of giving and how to do it well. There are so many quality nonprofits that do good work, but it is important to decipher which ones you connect with, and which ones you believe can make a true difference. As I progress through my career, I hope to set quantitative goals to put a number on my giving.

I want to volunteer my time at least once a month and donate a percentage of my salary to philanthropies I find match my values. I want to sit down once a year and decide which philanthropies to focus on each year and form connections with people who work at them.