Birthday Pledge

Have you pledged your birthday yet? The concept of donating your birthday to raise funds for charity has been gaining traction, and I love it, both personally and professionally. Feeling good by doing good is my favorite intersection.

First, the Premise:  Studies abound confirming the benefits of giving, with notable research from Harvard Business School reporting that happiness can indeed be found by spending money on others. Reports from other studies indicate that giving reinforces our sense of social connection and belonging, while sustaining our happiness over time. 

The Application:  Individuals can harness the generosity and excitement induced by their birthdays to raise funds among their friends for causes that resonate with them. Nonprofits can be direct beneficiaries of this celebratory largesse by implementing a Birthday Pledge Initiative.

The Plan:  In the days leading up to your big day or on the actual date itself, let it be known via your social media channel(s) that this year, to commemorate another completed orbit around the sun, you're raising funds for a cause that's dear to you. The call to action is simple:  ask your friends to donate to a designated nonprofit in lieu of buying you a gift or a drink or whatever it is that you typically exchange when celebrating. Be sure to include a link to the Donate page of the nonprofit you've chosen. 

The All-Stars:  Several organizations have done a topnotch job of creating a seamless way to promote your birthday campaign. For inspiration and examples, check out:  charity:  water; Doctors Without Borders; Equal Justice Initiative; and Not For Sale. 

If your nonprofit organization has not yet implemented a Birthday Pledge Initiative, the moment couldn't be better. Now more than ever in these unprecedented times of lockdown and quarantine, people desire community and crave a renewed sense of purpose.

Happy Birthday and Cheers to You!