What is a Giving Goal?

Often, the idealism of youth is lost as one achieves success and acquires material possessions later in life. What was originally considered to be “enough” or even “beyond my wildest dreams” can become just another milestone on one’s quest…

Capturing your current vision of how you wish to give of yourself and your resources in the future could help you plan to give more meaningfully. Revisiting this vision in ten or twenty years could provide a reminder of the ideals of your youth that may shape or re-shape your future actions.

If you have already posted your Giving Goal and would like to update your email for future reminders, please contact [email protected]

Step 1

Have a healthy and vigorous dialogue in your class on the general idea of having a personal Giving Goal as a college student.

Step 2

Set a Giving Goal concerning your future giving plans.

Step 3

Share a brief statement of your Giving Goals on The Philanthropy Lab’s portal as a way to inspire others to do the same. You may post anonymously to the public if you wish.

Step 4

Share your permanent email address and phone number with The Philanthropy Lab, for the sole purpose of the reminder mechanism, so we can remind you of your goal in 5 year increments for 20 years into the future.

Alumni Reflections

"What a sweet reminder of this pledge! I've definitely given and volunteered in the last 6yrs. It's been a joy to continue the journey of generosity since graduating from undergrad. I'm back in grad school and I am looking forward to finishing my MSW. There will be new ways I give back to the community!"

"Thank you so much for this valuable reminder of my Giving Pledge. I'm proud to say I've dedicated several hours of volunteer time & services to Arts Education non-profits and will continue to live out this pledge"

“Thanks for reaching out––I'm actively still volunteering at two non-profits now in NYC (one free food service called "Wellfare" and a neighborhood homeless shelter)”

"Thank you for your email! The Philanthropy Lab was a life changing experience for me. I ended up joining the board of Malawi Children's Village to run the women empowerment program, which is what the Philanthropy Lab grant was for. In August, I am going to Malawi to see the project in action!"

"I was so happy to see this email pop into my inbox, it feels like a lifetime ago I was in this course. I appreciate all that I learned in this class and have taken its messages with me through these past 5 years. I do plan on maintaining the promise I made in this class"

"Thanks for this reminder. I actually still have a handwritten version of that note on the magnet board in my home office."

Search for Giving Goals

Over 4,200+ course participants have written giving goals in a demonstration of leadership!

Anonymous

University of Washington

Spring
2023

I intend to give 10% of my annual income to organizations which are specifically focused on malnutrition and helping to eliminate hunger. I also intend to financially help out the organizations which empower and support youth and teach them important things they need to know, such as reproductive health. I think it is important to help those who are in need the most!

Anonymous

University of Washington

Spring
2023

Following graduation, I intend to give away at least 2.5% of my income every year to grassroots and nonprofit organizations that support causes that I value and am passionate about. With choosing the organizations I donate to, I intend to be more intentional with my giving by researching and educating myself on the impact my financial sacrifices will have on various issues.

Anonymous

University of Washington

Spring
2023

1. The first part of my giving goal centers around money. Because my income will fluctuate throughout my life, instead of dedicating a set amount I will dedicate a percentage (10%) of each paycheck to go to charity. 2. The second part revolves around research. I vow to spend time researching each charity, nonprofit, or cause that I donate for, to ensure the funds are being used for benefit. 3. The last part of my goal is to set aside my time. Time is just as valuable as money, and I’d like to spend a weekend a month volunteering for good.

Anonymous

University of Texas

Spring
2023

My giving goal is to devote 5% of my income towards a cause I find most need-worthy at the time once I have a stable income source. I would like my contribution to be catered to rural places in India and help women gain access to education, medial care and job opportunities to support themselves.

Anonymous

University of Texas

Spring
2023

I pledge to volunteer for non-profit organizations for the next few years. Ideally, I would love to donate yearly to the charity of my choice.

Anonymous

University of Texas

Spring
2023

I pledge to give away 3% of my annual income after graduating college.