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

Northwestern University - Undergraduate

Winter
2020

I pledge to think critically about giving, not just today, but also in the future, utilizing not only my finances, but also my knowledge to aide causes that better society.

Claire Hartman

Northwestern University - Undergraduate

Winter
2020

I pledge to give 5% of my salary to nonprofits following my graduation and then raise the percentage accordingly when my income increases. I will donate my time to volunteer at nonprofits each year.

Christian Staeck

University of Washington

Winter
2020

“Personally, philanthropy is both the measure and the means to a successful, happy life. I aspire to reach a point in life where I am fiscally free and able to dedicate the majority of my time, money and intellect to a singular cause greater than myself.”

Cheri Coelman

University of Washington

Winter
2020

I pledge as a student to cultivate my passion and hope for a better world by giving my time and energy to causes I care deeply about. As I move out of a student role and cement myself more into a stable income, I pledge not just to give my time, but donate a portion of my income to causes I care deeply about.

Cathy Moore

Northwestern University - Undergraduate

Winter
2020

I pledge to give consciously to organizations, donating at least $10,000 in the next 10 years.

Carly Bainbridge

University of Washington

Winter
2020

My giving goal is to consciously focus on service and philanthropy throughout my life. I believe it is important to have a service oriented career as well as give what I can of time and money to philanthropy. My goal is to stay informed and pursue work in the social justice field while giving what I can out of my personal finances. I also hope to set up a fidelity charity giving account to increase the amount I have to donate once I have enough funds to establish that.