Not Ready Yet?
If you've read this far into the website, you are probably on board with the central idea behind Giving What We Can. But it might be that your current situation means that you don't feel ready to pledge 10% at the current time.
It might be that you want to make the pledge, but you feel you can't afford it right now. You might have debt that you want to pay off first; or you might be moving jobs or house; or you might know that you'll have a pay increase in the near future.
Give More Tomorrow Pledge
Whatever your reason, the easiest way to become a part of the Giving What We Can community is through the Give More Tomorrow Pledge. What's special about this pledge is that you never have to live on less than your current income. You specify a start date and a base level of income (usually your current income level). In most cases, the start date will be immediate and the baseline will be your current income level. You'll never be required to give in a way that would take you below your baseline, and you ease into giving 10% as your income increases over time.
How much you give is calculated as follows. Every year after your start date, you calculate:
(1) The difference between your income (in that future year) and the baseline
And:
(2) 10% of your income (in that future year).
Whichever number is smaller, that's what you give.
The following graph illustrates this.
This graph shows someone whose income in 2011 is $20,000, which is when she takes the Give More Tomorrow Pledge. The amount this person gives is represented by the light blue area. Her total income increases to $21,000 in 2012, and $22,000 in 2013. In these years, she'll give $1000 and $2000, respectively, which is not yet 10% of her earnings. The following year, she makes $24,000 and gives $2400. This way, her standard of living never decreases.
If you want to take the Give More Tomorrow Pledge and thereby become part of the Giving What We Can community, then fill out your details below. We will send you a welcome letter soon!
