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

After consideration, I have came to the conclusion that I would like to donate 3% of my monthly income to a local (or even non-local) non-profit organization. I intend to put effort towards getting to learn more about the non-profits around me, wherever that may be! I also plan on encouraging my family and friends to participate in giving!

Anonymous

Stanford University

Spring
2022

Once I have consistent income after I graduate, I will donate 4,000 dollars a year or more depending on how much I am making to local charities.Or I may try to volunteer instead depending on where I am at.

Anonymous

Stanford University

Spring
2022

I would like to pledge to donate 10% of my income when I first start working to non-profit organizations in issue areas I care about, including but not limited to criminal justice reform, human rights, social justice, mental health, and gender justice. As I continue working, I hope to donate an increasing amount of my income to organizations working to mitigate some of the most pressing challenges of our day.

Anonymous

Stanford University

Spring
2022

I pledge to given 10% of my income every year to causes and organisations that target vulnerable populations in India. I plan to donate to the same organisation for 5 years and find a new one every five years that addresses the problems of the future. This long-term commitment comes with a pledge to donate my time and intellectual resources towards advancing the cause of the organisation.

Anonymous

Stanford University

Spring
2022

I pledge to commit at least 30% of my professional work to charity and aid programs in the form of volunteering, mentorship, and so on. I would also like to give a minimum of 5% of my income to charitable organizations once I begin my professional career.

Anonymous

Stanford University

Spring
2022

I plan to continue my philanthropic efforts by investing in African American extracurricular activities and afterschool programs. My pinnacle for philanthropy is establishing a boarding school in the Southeastern portion of the United States for academically-driven African American students who are financially disadvantaged.