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

Texas A&M University

Spring
2023

Upon graduation, I plan on giving at least 5% of my monthly income to the church during mass. In addition to monetary donation, I want to be open to volunteering for nonprofits whose values align with mine such as those focused on health care and prevention and prison reform (thank you Byran Stevenson).Â

Anonymous

Texas A&M University

Spring
2023

Upon graduation, I intend to give 10-20% of my income to causes in the medical field, as well as animal protection/wildlife preservation. I will use my professional skills in dentistry to travel to communities that have no access/desperately need dental care. I will become a regular volunteer for Habitat for Humanity in the community I reside in.

Anonymous

Texas A&M University

Spring
2023

Post graduation I intend to give 10% of my income to philanthropic causes that align with child and adult literacy, and child development. I pledge to research three or more hours for a non-profit, in the area I am currently living, thats mission is aimed at solving illiteracy issues or positive child development. Finally, I will dedicate two days, at minimum, a quarter to serve at the non-profit chosen.

Anonymous

Texas A&M University

Spring
2023

My giving goal is to volunteer with a nonprofit organization at least once a month and provide financially as I can. I plan to donate at minimum $1,000/year to an organization to help them further their mission. I also plan to stay involved in the nonprofit community and provide services to do good.

Anonymous

Texas A&M University

Spring
2023

My giving goal is to find nonprofit organizations that focus on youth development, specifically those that are seeking to serve marginalized and vulnerable communities, to give to with both my time and money. Monetarily, my goal is to give 5% of my income each year upon graduation. Regarding time, I would like to serve either by volunteering at least monthly, or on a board.

Anonymous

Texas A&M University

Spring
2023

I will give a minimum of 5% of each paycheck to nonprofit agencies within the Brazos Valley County to support local missions. I am passionate about giving to an agency that is the only nonprofit carrying out its mission to contribute to its growth or efficiency. As well as giving to agencies that value community and youth development. I will give another 5% of my paycheck to my local churchs missions.