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 Pennsylvania

Spring
2020

I pledge to always give as much money as a donor and time as a volunteer as possible to nonprofits about which I am passionate, especially those in my local community.

Anonymous

University of California, Irvine

Spring
2020

My giving goal is to try to do the best that I can in order to help those in need. I hope that in the future I’ll be working with a non-profit organization or such where I can work the best that I can in order to make a difference. I will volunteer for causes that need attention and help out in any way that I can. I hope to one day organize and create events where I can help others and I hope I can see a change. I hope I can educate others as well and bring awareness to certain issues and encourage them to help out if they are able to. I will dedicate time to learn how to best do this. 🙂

Anonymous

University of California, Irvine

Spring
2020

My giving goal is to become involved with nonprofit volunteering after college and nonprofit leadership within 7 years after college. I also pledge to seek employment with a company that emphasizes corporate social responsibility and mindful giving.

Anonymous

University of California, Irvine

Spring
2020

I pledge to use my time wisely after I graduate by beginning to show more attention to my community and continue working with nonprofit volunteering organizations like I have done in the past.

Anonymous

University of California, Irvine

Spring
2020

I pledge to use my time and resources to support organizations that work towards working-class solidarity and liberation of oppressed communities. I will contribute whatever I can monetarily, but my giving will always be in concert with participatory engagement in the community.

Anonymous

University of California, Irvine

Spring
2020

I pledge to live my life with purpose and to give back to those who aren’t fortunate enough to have the things that we have and take for granted. My intent is to get involved with my community; to support the proper care for the up and coming generation and to look after those most in need.