The Social Capital Pledge: Create Impact With What You Have
Join a movement of everyday people who share their networks, relationships, and resources to tackle society's most complex problems. It's not just about money—it's about meaningful participation through relational and time-based investment.
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Beyond Writing Checks
The Social Capital Pledge shifts philanthropy norms beyond just financial donations to emphasizing personal engagement. While financial capital addresses what people lack, social capital addresses who people can count on and how they can access opportunity.
When you share your social capital—your connections, knowledge, and support—you create ripples of change that money alone cannot buy.
Our community amplifies these efforts by exchanging ideas and spreading them widely, maximizing the impact of each personal act for good.
Complex Problems, Individual Solutions
Access to Quality Education
From mentoring to tutoring to using personal networks to help students gain internships, there are myriads of ways to use personal resources to expand access and bridge achievement gaps for others.
Mental Health
Your support and resources can break stigmas, improve access to vital health services, and build trust and confidence in health systems that may be viewed with skepticism.
Poverty
Whether tackling global hunger, local homelessness, food insecurity, or lack of job access, your connections and support can create opportunities for economic empowerment and systemic change.
No Matter What
No matter what issue moves you—disability assistance, environmental concerns, prison reform, sensory accessibility, or anything else—you can use your social capital to make a difference. Make a pledge based on your passion, and you’ll find a community ready to work alongside you.
The world's challenges may seem overwhelming, but you don't have to solve them alone. Each person can make a meaningful difference by contributing their unique social capital to whatever problem they feel passionate about solving.
How It Works: Crafting Your Social Capital Pledge
Making a Social Capital Pledge means intentionally using your unique network, skills, and time to address challenges you care about. It's about leveraging what you have to create meaningful change. Here are three key areas to consider as you shape your commitment:
1. What Moves You?
Identify an issue where your unique connections and skills can make a difference. Choose an area that genuinely resonates with your passions.
  • Education & Mentorship
  • Health & Well-being
  • Economic Empowerment
  • Community Development
  • Environmental Stewardship
2. How Can You Contribute?
Your time, expertise, and network are valuable assets. Consider practical actions you can take to support your chosen cause.
  • Offer professional guidance
  • Connect individuals to opportunities
  • Provide mentorship or tutoring
  • Share expertise via workshops
  • Facilitate key introductions
3. Why Make a Pledge?
Beyond the impact on others, pledging social capital offers profound personal rewards. Discover the joy of giving differently.
  • Make a tangible difference
  • Build stronger communities
  • Expand your own network
  • Inspire others to act
  • Experience purpose and fulfillment
Pledger Spotlights
Maya, 17
Uses her social media influence to raise awareness about mental health resources for teens, connecting young people with free counseling services.
James, 42
Leverages his legal expertise to provide pro bono assistance to environmental nonprofits, helping them navigate complex regulations.
Elena, 68
Shares her business connections to create internship opportunities for underserved youth in her community.
What To Do When Considering Making A Pledge
Connect with Others
Join a community of like-minded individuals who are leveraging their networks for positive change.
Amplify Your Impact
Discover how by joining forces with others your unique skills and connections can create ripples of change beyond what you imagined.
When Ready Make
Your Pledge
Share why you're committing to use your social capital for good and what causes matter most to you.
Coming Soon! Social Capital Clearinghouse
The Social Capital Pledge unites problem-solving philanthropists from all ages and walks of life. What connects us is a shared promise and commitment to creating impact through our social capital.
You don’t have to wait for the perfect issue or the perfect time. Make a pledge around what matters to you—and find a team, a network, a movement to support it.
Our platform will soon serve as a clearinghouse connecting individuals, families, and enterprises with nonprofits across the charitable spectrum, making it easier to find meaningful ways to contribute.
When You're Ready: Make Your Pledge
A Teenager's Vision
"I was inspired by the Giving Pledge's framework of billionaires pledging their wealth to help make big changes in society. But, as a teenager with limited means, I believe rich and poor, adults and young people, alike can make a meaningful difference in positively changing our world just by giving their time and energy. Ordinary, everyday people routinely do extraordinary, but unseen things that have a huge impact on society. We can all find each other and amplify our impact by making a Social Capital Pledge." - Camden Pierce
The Social Capital Pledge is a Recursion Program - Young Leaders Board Initiative. If you would like to financially support this project, which encourages relational and time-based investment, we welcome your donation.