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 that upon my entry into the workforce, I will donate 10% of my income each year to support nonprofit organizations. If my salary increases to more than $300k a year, I will then increase my donation to 20% of my yearly income. I will stay knowledgeable about the philanthropies I choose to give to and will increase my involvement in them over time. In 20 years I will become a board member for at least one of the organizations.

Anonymous

University of Texas

Spring
2022

I hope to donate 10% of my overall income once making sure I can sustain and support a healthy family to nonprofits that promote necessary needs for subjects I am passionate and feel strongly about. If not satisfied and capable with my income, I will pledge that I will devote my time to volunteering in hopes of making the world a better place.

Anonymous

University of Texas

Spring
2022

I commit to giving my time monthly through volunteering at local nonprofit organizations supporting causes I feel passionate about. Once I start working in my career, I pledge to give away a certain percentage of that income, annually to a charity of interest, upon more extensive research of what kind of organization they are and what kind of impact they make.

Anonymous

University of Texas - McCombs

Spring
2022

I pledge to donate a small percentage of my salary to charitable organizations every year.

Anonymous

University of Texas - McCombs

Spring
2022

I commit to donating a portion of my salary to non-profit organizations annually and volunteering through pro-bono or board opportunities in my local community.

Anonymous

University of Pennsylvania

Spring
2022

My giving goal is to give of my time and expertise to nonprofit organizations, by volunteering and serving on boards, as well as donating 5% of my annual income.