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

1. Give 10% of my income to nonprofits I have performed my due diligence on that will impact the causes closest to me 2. Devote at least three hours of volunteerism per month 3. Use my gifts and talents to others benefit and joy

Anonymous

Texas A&M University

Spring
2023

1. Donate to at least one charitable organization of my choosing per month that I have conducted due diligence on involving a cause that I feel is important. 2. Make a positive impact in ESG efforts through making responsible business and career decisions that help the world move towards a better future. 3. Work towards a large philanthropic effort to help solve an issue that I saw prevalent throughout my lifetime as I amass the means to do so.

Anonymous

Texas A&M University

Spring
2023

1. Donate 5% of my income after college to an organization that focuses on the empowerment of women and instills hope in them. 2. Find a local nonprofit where I volunteer at least once a month that aligns with my values. Preferably one I stay consistent with past graduation. 3. Do research on current issues and evaluate how I can help solve the issue. Remember my giving goal and reevaluate in the future when I am no longer a student.

Anonymous

Stanford University

Spring
2023

I will donate at least 5% of my income after I graduate. I want to split the donation to 5 different organizations, one of which is the US and the rest international in developing countries.

Anonymous

Stanford University

Spring
2023

I want to give at least 10% of my working time to nonprofit causes!

Anonymous

Stanford University

Spring
2023

I promise to engage in philanthropic work that centers giving back to my community in a compassionate and trust-based approach. I hope to continue to center work that focuses on women-led movements, while also serving on the needs of other marginalized groups. I hope to donate as much money as I can within the bounds of my future salary.