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!

Brian Kaner

Texas A&M University

Spring
2021

I plan to give to organizations that I believe are making the most effective difference in their communities, and I think that the amount I will give depends on my income levels. If my salary is between $50,000-$75,000 I hope to give 5% of my income. If it is between $75,000-$100,000 I will give a minimum of 7.5%, and anything above $100,000, I will give 10% or more charitably. I believe that this is a good framework because a flat percentage may be too much at the beginning of my career or too little further into it. It is important to take care of my needs, but I pledge to living charitably. I hope to work full time in the nonprofit sector as well as volunteer some in my spare time as well. I hope to share the importance of giving with my family, friends, and colleagues over time as well.

Bonnie Schipper

Emory University

Spring
2021

Goal: to ensure philanthropic giving is reflected every month in my personal budget.

Bella Nowland

Texas A&M University

Spring
2021

I will allot 10% of my total income to giving, reevaluating each year on the organizations/ people I give to, ensuring they are a reflection of my current passions and pursuits. Secondly, I will work to save to have discretionary funds to be able to effectively serve in crisis or unexpected needs within my community.

Ariela Farchi

Emory University

Spring
2021

My giving goal is to continue supporting organizations that do work which is close to my heart through volunteering, as well as donating 10% of my annual income to a broader range of organizations. Furthermore, I aim to include Social Reform and Civic Engagement in my philanthropy practice by growing the set of causes that I would usually donate to and volunteer with to include social activism and other behaviors that advocate for greater, more inclusive, and sustainable change. Through out all of this, I hope to continue being true to who I am and have my giving be a true reflection of my personal values and the change that I hope to see in the world.

Anonymous

Vanderbilt University

Spring
2021

My giving goal is to give a substantial portion of my income annually to a cause that is worthwhile and meaningful to me, and that I have assured makes a true difference. I will ensure that the organizations that I select are worthy through continuous research every two months.

Anonymous

Vanderbilt University

Spring
2021

In many ways, I think philanthropy encompasses not only financial gifts but the deeds, words, and impressions that we leave behind everywhere we go. So, I pledge to make my giving centered around the notion of effective altruism, or having the biggest impact given limited resources. I pledge to give whatever portion of my income that is available to give to causes that I systematically determine to do the most good. I pledge to donate my available time to pressing issues facing our local, national, and/or global communities. I also pledge to be cognizant of the impact my words and actions have on others.