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

Harvard University

Spring
2023

Im aiming to spend a few hours every week working with NGOs and non-profits focused on providing medical diagnostics to underserved groups. These organizations provide enormous support to bolster limited public health infrastructure, and their efforts really resonate with me in their ability to implement medical research for combatting systemic inequalities. After I graduate and find a sustainable source of income, Id like to donate at least 5% to causes that address health inequities in the United States or abroad.

Anonymous

Harvard University

Spring
2023

I pledge to volunteer at least twice a month after graduation continuously. Furthermore, I pledge to make it a career, regardless of what I do, to give back to the rest of society and improve the livelihoods of others. This will also include mindful philanthropy; at least 4% of yearly earnings will go to such.

Anonymous

Harvard University

Spring
2023

1. Regardless of which career path I take, every position I take on must include social impact, in some shape or form, in its job outcome. I must never stray away from this ethos. 2. I intend to do the following: Donate 5% of my income annually to nonprofit organizations, whose causes are dear to my heart and whom Ive research extensively, and set aside another 5% annually to an investment portfolio. When I reach 30, I intend to look at how much my portfolio has grown and donate that money to a nonprofit organization I personally work with in some capacity, either as a volunteer, staff, or board member. 3. Volunteer at least once a week. 4. Catch up on current events at least every other day.

Anonymous

Emory University

Spring
2023

Though for the short term I may not be able to give as much monetarily but I am still aiming to donate at least 3-5% of my income/salary to local & current initiatives (disaster-relief for example) and to the Muslim community through donations to the local mosques (Masjid Al-Farooq). I hope to raise to at least 10% as my salary/income increases over the next 5 years. I also aim to continuously give back to the community my time, knowledge, and experience through tutoring, volunteering, connecting with younger students (both high school and college freshman) and through Emorys alumni network to advise others as I have benefited from others advice to me.

Anonymous

Emory University

Spring
2023

Post-graduation, I will abide by my Giving Goal through direct involvement and by giving a small % of my income to a local organization that promotes social mobility and aims to address the wealth inequity gap.

Anonymous

Emory University

Spring
2023

My goal is to include philanthropy as a regular part of my professional life. Whether that would be spearheading sustainability initiatives at my workplace or organizing volunteer events for colleagues, I aspire to integrate philanthropy into my daily habits. Moreover, my goal is to incorporate wealth as stewardship” in my life philosophy since wealth is only a tool for happiness and prosperity.”