Why it matters

Imagine if you got nearly all of your income once a year around the holidays. Even if it was the same amount of money, it makes budgeting hard, especially when you also rely on monthly irregular amounts. It would be better if you could count on a reliable monthly total.

Take your usual annual donations and spread them evenly as a pledged amount. This makes it easier for non-profits to plan and cover their expenses, and it also helps you budget. Other benefits: some non-profits spend less on regular donors who don’t need to be reminded/nudged annually, which cuts down on your bulk mail and phone calls. (Ask if you can be removed from the nudge list when you make your donation recurring.)

To increase your contributions, check for subscriptions you aren’t using or don’t remember signing up for. (Forgotten “free” trials are a common culprit.) Cancel them and shift that to your monthly giving.