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

Texas A&M University

Fall
2020

I pledge to donate as much time and money as I can throughout the course of my life, to organizations and causes which positively impact my community. Alongside this, I will advocate for the marginalized, voiceless, and hurting people in our society in any way possible and lead a life of generosity. I am committed to donating 5% of my annual income to causes which I am passionate about, and hopefully, increasing that annual percentage as I become more financially stable throughout my life.

Anonymous

Texas A&M University

Fall
2020

I pledge to continually positively impact my community through donations, volunteering, and spreading awareness for the needs of others. I will also choose to be a pillar for service in the organizations and communities that I will involve myself in throughout the stages of my life. I will use the combined knowledge gained from education and experiences to find ways to positively impact others.

Anonymous

Texas A&M University

Fall
2020

I pledge to consistently evaluate how I am being involved in the nonprofit sector. Every month I want to reevaluate which organizations I am giving to and how I am volunteering as well. This also means that I will choose to give to at least one organization every month. I also pledge to make sure at least one person will hold me accountable for my motives as I grow in my career and life.

Anonymous

Texas A&M University

Fall
2020

I pledge to commit as much time and funding to the non-profit sector throughout my life as possible. I have always had a passion for helping others and making a difference in this world of inequality and suffering. I plan to continue the lifestyle I have already begun by volunteering and donating regularly. I promise to improve others’ lives by advocating for those who are disadvantaged through the utilization of my resources and network. My giving goal is to have at least 3 organizations I give annually, whatever my income allows, but do it consistently.

Anonymous

Texas A&M University

Fall
2020

I pledge to capitalize on my talents and resources such that I am able to strategically partner with nonprofits, and be most intentional in the contribution of my time and resources. I want to continue to bring value to the philanthropic space through more than simple donations, and maintain active involvement with the causes most meaningful to me to create as tangible of an impact as possible. I will weigh the value of my skills, resources, and network with the value of my dollar in order to determine which, or how much of each, may create the most benefit for any given organization, and aim to magnify the work being done to meet the needs of, and eliminate struggle in, my community.

Anonymous

Texas A&M University

Fall
2020

I pledge to allocate a percentage of my income to give monthly/annually to non-profit organizations that I think can make a difference along with tithings, and I will give of my time to serve and volunteer within my community. I will also strive to create in my home and family, a mindset of giving.