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

I would like to spend a few hours a month volunteering at a local community center and donate a percentage of my income to fund the equipment and operations for local community organizations that are important to me.

Anonymous

Emory University

Spring
2022

I want to ingrain a mission of giving throughout my life and career. In the short term, I want to make a routine of giving at least 10% of my income to organization that I believe are making an impact on the issues most important to me. Through this semester, I’ve learned to assess organizations for their impact and value and not blindly donating. As I get older I want to commit myself to organizations doing impactful work. This commitment should not just be monetary but also through service. This commitment extends to my ultimate career dream, which is starting my own profit in my community centered on early education and child care programs. I want to make a promise to working for disadvantaged communities for the rest of life.

Anonymous

Emory University

Spring
2022

I pledge to volunteer once a week (continuing from now) and commit to giving a percentage of my income (starting once I have paid off my student debt) to important causes.

Anonymous

Emory University

Spring
2022

I pledge to donate my time and funding to shine a light to the importance of business leaders in the search for a more environmental sustainable future.

Anonymous

Emory University

Spring
2022

I pledge to donate at least 5% of my annual income to non-profits and volunteer on a monthly basis.

Anonymous

Emory University

Spring
2022

I pledge to donate 5-10% of my income to various organizations making a positive impact in the world in various fields, as well as to volunteer 10 hours per month with local organizations.