Pledging

Pledging is the act of making a pledge, a formal promise or commitment to do something or to support a cause, often accompanied by a sense of obligation. The concept appears in personal, organizational, and financial contexts and can involve social, legal, or ethical dimensions.

In social organizations, especially fraternities and sororities, a pledge (or pledgee) is a person who is undergoing a probationary period before full membership. The process is known as pledging; it may involve education about the organization’s values and rules and, in some cases, a period of assessment. Practices vary widely by organization and jurisdiction, and many universities regulate or prohibit hazing and other coercive activities.

In fundraising and philanthropy, a pledge is a promise to donate a specified amount in the future, or over a period. Pledges are common in capital campaigns and annual fund drives. Organizations record pledges as commitments and may distinguish between secured commitments and contingencies. Pledge payments are often scheduled, and donors may be asked to honor cancellation policies or to adjust gifts if financial circumstances change.

In property and lending, a pledge is a form of security interest in movable property. The borrower (pledgor) delivers possession of the pledged asset to the creditor (pledgee), who holds it as security for repayment. If the debtor defaults, the creditor may sell the asset. This form of security is distinct from a mortgage, which encumbers immovable property.

A pledge of allegiance is a solemn oath or declaration of loyalty to a country, commonly recited in schools, courts, and government proceedings. Pledges may also denote general promises or commitments in legal or contractual contexts.