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 Texas

Spring
2022

I pledge to donate a fixed amount of my income each year and to use my time and talents to work with nonprofits either serving on a board or doing volunteer work.

Anonymous

University of Texas

Spring
2022

I pledge to donate 50 hours of my time annually to volunteer to various charities, as well as give 5% of income initially to well deserving non-profits.

Anonymous

University of Texas

Spring
2022

I pledge to donate 10% of my income to non-profits that I am passionate about. I want to contribute to the causes that are most affecting our world in the next 20 years.

Anonymous

University of Texas

Spring
2022

I pledge to dedicate my time to supporting non-profits that I am connected to. I pledge after retiring to pursue my passion for philanthropy and either be heavily involved with a non-profit or begin my own. Once I have achieved a level of financial stability, I pledge to dedicate 10% of my income to a charity in which I have become personally involved and passionate about their mission.

Anonymous

University of Texas

Spring
2022

I pledge to dedicate my future career to public service. When I have a stable income, I will donate at least 7% of what I make to international aid organizations. I also pledge to educate my family and friends on how to donate responsibly.

Anonymous

University of Texas

Spring
2022

I pledge to allocate 5% of my salary to non-profit needs, specifically supporting underprivileged children in India and Central America. As my income and career hopefully increases, I aim to take on larger projects and eventually transition out of my traditional career path into some type of mentorship or non-profit program, where I can serve in a leadership role.