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

Stanford University

Spring
2023

I plan on giving 10% or more of my income, depending on my future salary, to fight for social and climate justice. I want to donate my time and experience in the electrical engineering and materials science fields toward fighting the climate crisis via a career involving renewable energy technologies and providing energy equity. I also hope to provide my experience in these fields to non-profits that it is applicable through volunteering if desired by the organization.

Anonymous

Stanford University

Spring
2023

I hope to give back by committing to a continued engagement and involvement in my community. Learning about participatory and action-based involvement that relies on community representation and leadership. I commit to giving more than just my money, my time and passion to advancing social Justice for under resourced and marginalized voices. I intend to give directly by starting my own organization that will strive to advance Justice and solidarity – empowerment and PEOPLE POWER.

Anonymous

Stanford University

Spring
2023

1) I will volunteer on a monthly basis with an organization of my choice post graduation. 2) I will donate annually to an organization of my choice. 3) The organizations I choose will actively address root issues and systems of injustice.

Anonymous

Stanford University

Spring
2023

– Give 5% of my salary to a charity addressing issues to do with black women and access to education and mental health resources. – Keep engaging with philanthropies that align with my identity.

Anonymous

Harvard University

Spring
2023

My goal is to donate 10% of my earnings upon graduation to climate crisis-fighting non-profits. I also want to donate 5% to local non-profits in my community.

Anonymous

Harvard University

Spring
2023

My giving goal is towards helping underfunded communities through healthcare philanthropies, especially in Syria and the Middle East. I will try to volunteer my time as much as possible, and allocate 5% of my annual income to charities that are directly helping people in this region.