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

Emory University

Spring
2023

First, I pledge to volunteer at least once a week at refugee shelters in America and help them to apply to colleges, find jobs, and most importantly find their voice. Secondly, I pledge to donate 2% of my income to support poverty and homelessness in India by distributing food and clothes every month. Lastly, research and read about inequities in the world to keep myself aware and find ways to make sustainable choices and kinder comments.

Anonymous

Baylor University

Spring
2023

My giving goal is to yearly donate $100 to organizations that support and empower women and children in domestic violence situations. I will reevaluate this goal yearly as my salary changes and my living circumstances adapt. In addition to this, I will evaluate this goal as my interests and passions change in regards to social justice and human rights.

Anonymous

Baylor University

Spring
2023

My family has been donating clothing items we dont use anymore to various organizations for years, so I hope to continue doing that in my own life and with my future family. My financial goals are to donate about $200 every year that I am able, with $100 going towards local organizations and the other $100 possibly going towards national efforts. I would like to familiarize myself with a couple of organizations to become a regular donor and volunteer for. I plan to volunteer at least once a month, or 4 times a year as a backup plan. Im not good with specifics, so I just want to be in the habit of giving, whether that be time or money. I want to feel as though I am contributing to something bigger than myself that is making a positive impact on the world.

Anonymous

Baylor University

Spring
2023

I would like to commit to exploring organizations outside of personal interest to myself. I want to find 2 organizations monthly that challenge my own beliefs about philanthropy and help open my eyes to crucial organizations.

Anonymous

Baylor University

Spring
2023

I pledge to give 10% of my salary to the Church and 2.5% of my income to other non-profits. I also pledge to give at least 10 hours of service to my local community each year.

Anonymous

Baylor University

Spring
2023

I pledge to donate 5% of my salary to support organizations focused on addressing education and environmental equity, both locally and globally. To donate my time, I plan to volunteer regularly at my local food bank, and plan to reevaluate my goals & giving every 3 years!