I pledge, after I graduate, to always making a social impact, whether it be through advocacy, volunteering, donating money (can also be through generous tipping or tipping when not necessary), or finding ways to make my work benefit others in the community. Overall, I pledge to not forget my roots and always find compassion for others in need.
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
Search for Giving Goals
Over 4,200+ course participants have written giving goals in a demonstration of leadership!
Anonymous
- Spring
- 2021
I pledge to donate a portion of my income each year, as well as at least five hours of my time each month to supporting organizations that work to drive structural change in my community, specifically towards causes that affect children within marginalized groups.
Anonymous
- Spring
- 2021
I pledge to donate 10% of my income once I make over $20,000 a year, whether that is the total of part-time work in college or after graduation. If I make more than $100,000 annually I will increase my giving to 15% of my income. I pledge to give at least half of my wealth to philanthropy in my will.
Anonymous
- Spring
- 2021
I pledge to continue to work with organizations that value social justice, equality, equity, and social responsibility. I will make sure that wherever I work or spend my time and money is aligned with my missions to give back and that I encourage those around me to do the same. I will continue to speak out against injustice and educate myself, friends, and family as to what the root causes and solutions are to those problems and what our role can be in making a positive impact. I also pledge to continue volunteering in the future community I reside in with non-profits or community-led organizations.
Anonymous
- Spring
- 2021
I challenge myself to give 10% of my income once I graduate from college and get a reliable job and once my income exceeds $100,000 (if it ever does…) I will give 20% primarily to organizations that are working to create a more sustainable and environment-centered society. In the meantime, I will focus on being vegetarian in order to minimize my carbon footprint and talk with my peers about small changes they can make in their life in order to minimize their carbon footprint.
Anonymous
- Spring
- 2021
Beyond the 10% of my income that I give to my church, I aim to give another 5-10% to those in need around me and/or organizations I am actively engaged with or passionate about throughout my lifetime.