How do I calculate my pledge if I’m unemployed?

Your employment status changes the amount of your giving pledge from year to year.

A giving pledge does not require you to donate while you aren’t earning any income (even if you are receiving some form of assistance). However, we feel that it's within the spirit of the pledge to donate something regularly if you can. It is therefore conventional for people who are unemployed to give at least 1% of their spending money.

We define “spending money” as money received for the purpose of spending on items such as food, rent, travel, or personal belongings.

For those who have made a commitment to give a portion of their wealth, especially if they are in a position to do so or are significantly wealthy, the norm within our community is to continue honouring that pledge — even during times of unemployment, as the inclusion of wealth is a lifetime commitment, beyond retirement.