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!

Savannah Bond

Baylor University

Fall
2020

I plan to donate 10% of my salary once I have graduated. I also plan to volunteer at least four hours a week.

Sara Atassi

University of Notre Dame

Fall
2020

I pledge to work for a employed that prioritizes ethical labor practices, social awareness in community impact, and responsible engagement with the community, I also pledge to give at least 5% of my income to philanthropic cases after I have successfully paid off my school loans and debts. I would be open and willing to give more if my income allowed for it.

Samantha Marquise

Baylor University

Fall
2020

My giving goal is to use 30 % of my free time to help local charities, as well as join nonprofit projects while at work in order to assist the community around me. Additionally, after my 3rd year of work i pledge to give 10% of my income to organizations that i feel are working hard to make meaningful change amongst the underserved populations.

Maya Elliott

University of Notre Dame

Fall
2020

I pledge to always remain committed to and involved in service throughout my life, contributing both monetarily through donations and physically through time spent volunteering.

Marissa Medina

Baylor University

Fall
2020

My giving goal consists of tithing 10% of my income to my local church regularly and additionally budgeting for monthly donations to an organization I believe in. This organization may change month to month, but I want to consistently give.

Maria Teel

University of Notre Dame

Fall
2020

I pledge to take into account the ethics and corporate social responsibility practices of my future employer when accepting or continuing in a job. I will also give my time and money to whatever limit possible in order to positively affect the common good.