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

University of Washington

Spring
2022

I will give what I can when I free myself from the shackles of student debt and most likely credit card debt as well. I will donate my time if I am unable to give money as well, as I have in the past.

Anonymous

University of Washington

Spring
2022

I pledge to give 2% of my income once I have job and my finances in order after graduating. Once I have paid off all of my student debt and I am able to do so I pledge to give between 7-10% of my income depending on my financial situation. I also pledge to give my time monthly to organizations that help to support my community in some capacity. Moreover, as wanting to enter the legal field I hope to make the time to engage in pro bono work as a part of my career.

Anonymous

University of Washington

Spring
2022

I pledge to donate at least 10% of my income annually to an international non-profit organization after thorough research to vision for my goals aligning with the that of the organization.

Anonymous

University of Washington

Spring
2022

I plan to focus my studies in law school on social justice and work towards a career focused on helping those who cannot help themselves. I also plan to commit to 100 hours of pro bono work throughout my time in law school. Once I pay off my debt I pledge to give 2% of my earnings to charity (at minimum) and give whatever else I can from there.

Anonymous

University of Washington

Spring
2022

I hope to give a minimum of 3% of my income every year following my graduation from college towards initiatives that would improve education equity in underserved communities. Beyond that I will also serve communities with my time and volunteer-based support.

Anonymous

University of Washington

Spring
2022

I commit to giving my time each week to an organization that I believe to make a direct impact in my community. When I am more financially stable, I plan to donate at least fifteen percent of my annual income to an organization that I have researched in-depth.