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

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Fall
2020

I plan to give 10% of my income to nonprofits that share my values & whom I know are striving for excellence, justice, compassion, and sustainability in their futures. I also want to obviously share media that reflects said organization and volunteer there while I’m able. Having conversations about organizations we believe in is a huge part of mobilizing them, so having purposed conversations with friends and family about the organizations I see doing good work will be something I invest in doing as well.

Anonymous

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Fall
2020

I plan to continue my philanthropic endeavors after college by dedicating a set percentage of my monthly income aside to donate to an organization that I am very passionate about. I know no matter how big or small teh donation is, I want to continue my philanthropic endeavors and continue to make an impact on an issue that is important to me!

Anonymous

University of Notre Dame

Fall
2020

I pledge to give as much as possible in a meaningful way that will positively impact the world.

Anonymous

University of Notre Dame

Fall
2020

I pledge to donate at least 5% of my annual income to truly philanthropic causes beginning the year after I graduate. Further, I plan on earning this income from an organization or field of work which is dedicated to creating positive change for society, such as in education or progressive social policymaking. Additionally, I would also give more than my pledged 5%, given my situation would allow for it.

Anonymous

Texas A&M University

Fall
2020

Wherever I live I pledge to be actively involved in the betterment of my community. I will give my time, money, and resources to the most vulnerable people and their associated non-profits in my community and use my privilege to lift up unheard voices. I will research and listen to the people I want to help to see how I can serve them best and recruit my peers to do the same. I plan to incorporate this value of philanthropy into my professional life as well as my personal life by working with ethical companies and always looking for sustainable solutions within my community. Living with generosity and compassion will be my mantra in every situation.

Anonymous

Texas A&M University

Fall
2020

My giving goals is to commit my time and my resources (including but not limited to financial resources) to the betterment of my community. I commit to invest in my community wherever I am at the time, as well as commit to philanthropies that I have connected with throughout the years. I plan to create a giving plan and to maintain it as well as increase it as my career progresses. I commit 10% of my annual income to philanthropies as well as commit to using my resources and word of mouth to share with others the importance of giving.