Pride Foundation- LGBTQ Community Foundation

When I think of the word ‘half’ I am usually thinking about ordering a sandwich, not giving away that much of my income to charitable causes. I create a charitable giving budget every year and I usually end up deciding to give away 4 to 5 percent of my income to nonprofits that I care about. I am going to have to revisit this decision, and what it means to be bold, after learning about folks who exceed my giving ration by 45 percent.

Last week Tracy Gary-from Inspired Legacies was in Seattle to keynote the spring conference for the Northwest Development Officers Association. She spoke about trends in family philanthropy, as well as how to stay engaged and inspired as fundraisers through these ever changing economic times, as we steward our donors’ dreams and gifts.

Then she mentioned a growing number of families and individuals who are choosing to give half of their income, every year, to the nonprofits they care about. Stories of these folks (at all economic levels) are shared on Bolder Giving.org. While many people and families are facing salary cuts, layoffs, and general financial uncertainty, this is not a choice I’m ready to advocate that we all consider. Yet, there is a statement within that says: “I’m going to be a bold and courageous friend to the organizations I love.”