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

Texas A&M University

Spring
2022

I pledge that wherever my career takes me, I will be serving a purpose greater than my own needs. I will be giving my time and expertise to a nonprofit organization I can further progress along its mission. I also pledge to give a certain amount with each paycheck, the value being dependent on what I am called to at the time.

Anonymous

Texas A&M University

Spring
2022

I plan to commit 10% of every paycheck once I get my first full-time job to any philanthropy that I partake in due diligence for. If there comes a point where I have failed to do my due diligence, I will take the 10% and extend it to service workers or friends that need the help that month. Additionally, I want to volunteer at any available nonprofit organization once a month at the least.

Anonymous

Texas A&M University

Spring
2022

I commit to living generously- I always want to be quick to offer up my time, financial resources, and talents. I want to give 3-5% of my monthly income to nonprofit organizations for the remainder of college. After I begin working, post-college, I want to donate 8-10% of my monthly income to the local church and other nonprofit organizations. I always want to be an intentional giver, doing my due diligence and giving to organizations that I am passionate about and are making a valuable difference in our world. Additionally, I want to commit at least 15 hours of my time monthly to volunteer in the local church and other organizations, preferably those who I am donating to if possible.

Anonymous

Texas A&M University

Spring
2022

I commit to donating 5% of my salary yearly to non-profit organizations and continue to sponsor a child through Compassion International. I will use strategy and prayer in determining where I will donate my 5%, and I will continue to invest in the life of my sponsor child through letter writing and birthday gifts. I will choose a Christian-based organization to invest in each year. I will invest in the people and mission of this organization by giving of time and financial resources.

Anonymous

Texas A&M University

Spring
2022

I commit to donating $50/month starting now. I will increase this amount $5/year. I also pledge to donate a minimum of 15 hours of my time per year serving locally. I will be intentional with my giving and will cultivate a generous spirit by challenging myself to reflect on how I am making my money work for others.

Anonymous

Texas A&M University

Spring
2022

I challenge myself to give away an equal or higher percentage of my income as I save for retirement. This includes giving to the church, charity, or people. I also pledge to give 2-3 hours of my time a week to an organization that serves people who are less fortunate than I am. I hope to give a substantial amount of my donations to organizations that I have not only researched but personally interacted with.