Middle Class Donation 2017 Guide

I wrote several months ago about how we felt it was time for us to start making charitable donations. As we enter into 2017 we have started to think about where we would like to make donations. Charitable giving is a decision that each family needs to make in a way that best fits there beliefs, passions and finances. Below is my guide for how we, and if your so inclined, you, donate in 2017.

We expect that we will continue routine donation of used items to Goodwill, along with keeping up our volunteerism through Big Brothers Big Sisters.

But when it comes to pure financial gifts for us in 2017 we plan to give to

Cornerstone Non-Profits:

- The United Way - In my role it is an unwritten expectation that I will donate to the United Way, who in turn gives a significant amount back to my organization.

- The American Red Cross - This cornerstone of the american non profit landscape needs our support. This year we will be purchasing items that are much needed by our local chapter.

- Rotary - I am active with the local Rotary, my club has a monthly monetary donation in support of the local food bank.


Area of interest: This year I am feeling strongly that we need to do more to help preserve, protect and restore our natural environment. While our donations won't change the world, these organizations are doing work that is making an impact.

- South Coast Habitat Restoration - This California based group has a focused area of habitat that they have several projects they are working on. Check them out here: http://schabitatrestoration.org/?page_id=30

- The 5 Gyres - This organization works around the globe to combat plastic in the ocean. https://www.5gyres.org/

- Oceana - Focused on restoring fish populations in our oceans, this organization has 15 years of experience fighting to keep our oceans alive. http://oceana.org/expeditions

Middle Class and Donations

With over a decade working in the non profit sector my souse and I have recently cross the threshold into middle class. We still have debt, both of us work full time jobs and we pay rent. But now see our bank accounts growing a clear sign that its our opportunity to start to support our community.

Prior to this year finical donations were not a possibility, our give back to the community was the work we did as non profit employees sprinkled in with volunteer days and of course the routine donation of used items that we gave to Salvation Army and Goodwill.


Now that we have crossed the threshold to Middle Class life making donations was clearly going to be part of our new life.

So during year one of entering into the finical donors realm who did we give to?

- Big Brothers, Big Sisters - Both of us have signed up to be bigs with this organization and recently attend a restaurant give back night benefiting the organization.

- The United Way - In my new position it is an unwritten expectation that I will donate to the United Way, who in turn gives a significant amount back to my organization.

- The American Red Cross - This cornerstone of the american non profit landscape needs our support. This year we attended a restaurant give back night benefiting the ARC.

- Innocence project of Texas - After reading Orange is the New Black,  I knew I wanted to do a small part to help change our penal system. I was excited to find this project that had strong ties to the community we are living in.

- Pet Smart animal shelter program - we were guilted into purchasing a few cans of cat and dog food during a routine trip to stock up on supplies for our kitty.

- Covenant Health Systems - To help with a capitol campagin and Ian wanted a T-shirt.

- Rotary - I have joined the local Rotary, my club has a monthly monetary donation in support of the local food bank.

As the holiday season approaches I would not be surprised if we find ourselves giving to a few additional programs who make appeals that speak to us.

We enjoy donating and as we enter into our second year of middle class life we might start to think about a strategic giving pattern ones that are in line with our core beliefs, are well rated on charity navigator and will increase our personal brand across our community, but for the next 5 months impulse giving is fulfilling our philanthropic interests.