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

Emory University

Spring
2022

While I pledge to donate a small portion of my yearly income to charitable organizations, I pledge to conduct extensive research to determine which charitable organizations will benefit society structurally and devote time and resources to help their cause.

Anonymous

Emory University

Spring
2022

Upon graduation and full-time employment, I pledge to donate a certain percentage ofmy salary towards improving education in low-access areas.

Anonymous

Emory University

Spring
2022

To pledge 2 hours a week to volunteer at a local organization, and (starting the year after I graduate) at least 5% of my annual income donated to a global issue that I connect with.

Anonymous

Emory University

Spring
2022

My proposed giving goal is to donate 5-10% of my monthly income toorganizations that support homeless children and low-income families. I also pledge to dedicate a minimum of 10 hours a month to volunteer work in the Atlanta community to help girls and boys struggling with mental health disorders.

Anonymous

Emory University

Spring
2022

My monetary giving goal is to donate 5% of my base salary and 10% of my annual bonus to causes or organizations that elevate and strengthen community voices addressing systemic and system-wide inequity.

Anonymous

Emory University

Spring
2022

My giving goal is to support causes and communities I am passionate about through volunteering and donating at least 5% of my income. I would also love to improve my advocacy for health and economic development among women and children. With numerous organizations and needs globally, I wish to be intentional about how I give, what I give, and whom I give it to, whether personally or through an organization.