This post could also be named, Trying to Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is.
I looked back at my charitable giving this year and here is what my wallet supported:
Social Justice:
- Southern Poverty Law Center: The tragedies around Michael Brown and Eric Garner made me want to support an organization that is fostering tolerance and understanding.
- The SAMFund - I was introduced to this organization at work. They are the only charity in the country that gives direct support to young adult cancer survivors. They are pretty small (~$200K in annual grants) but growing and after meeting several survivors who received SAMFund grants, it's really evident how much impact this organization has.
- ALS Association - Yup, did this through the Ice Bucket Challenge, but learned more about ALS along the way.
Friends' Fundraisers:
- (health) A cancer-research fundraiser brought on by the death of a friend-of-a-friend a couple years ago. When twentysomething who was beautiful inside and out dies from a senseless disease, and when her friends honor her memory by raising money for research, you give.
- (health) AIDS/Lifecycle - A friend took on this cycling challenge that supports California AIDS/HIV organizations. Seeing them go through the months-long training to raise awareness for the cause was inspiring.
- (aid) Oxfam - Another friend was part of a 100km relay walk to support international development
Schools:
- Both my undergrad and graduate schools keep calling me, and I won't stop giving them, but I'll probably give minimally from now on.
I'm using this list to consider what I'll give to next year and how to be more strategic about it, including how to fit giving in with my other financial goals of paying off my loans and saving money for 'the future'.
