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

Spring
2020

My goal in life has always been to help others in my career and personally. I pledge to give 10% to my church, an additional 5% to church missions specifically, and at least 5% to nonprofits. After graduating in December 2020, the first two non-profits I will start giving monthly to is the two I evaluated for the class. I plan to use the tools and processes I’ve learned in the class to evaluate other non- profits in the future. In addition to this, I want to become personally involved in a ministry or faith influenced non-profit in my local community. I plan to prioritize my involvement and giving to non-profits involved in my faith, mental health, and nutrition.

Anonymous

Texas A&M University

Spring
2020

My giving goal is to engage in some sort of philanthropic act (at least one) every week, whether that be monetary or my time. Additionally, I pledge to give at least 5% of my income to charities/causes that I connect with.

Anonymous

Texas A&M University

Spring
2020

I pledge to serve with my life and be a reflection of the love of Christ. I pledge to give at least 10% of my income to my local church and at least 5-10% to a local or an international non-profit organization. I pledge to continue to sponsor the education of children in underdeveloped countries. I pledge to continue to support organizations that are fighting to reduce inequality in this nation and the world. I pledge to volunteer my time and efforts to support the people in my community in any way possible. I would love to serve on the board or establish a non-profit organization that fights to reduce poverty levels in Nigeria. My goal is to use my gifts, time and resources to make a difference in the lives of the people around me,

Anonymous

Texas A&M University

Spring
2020

I pledge to love and serve the community I live in continually and with passion. I pledge to specifically set aside a specific amount of my paycheck monthly to support one or two nonprofits that are meaningful to me as well as continuing with my monthly sponsorship to a child in Bolivia through Compassion International.

Anonymous

Texas A&M University

Spring
2020

I pledge to love and serve others well and faithfully give of my time and finances throughout my life. I pledge to give 10% of my income to my local church and additionally support at least one other nonprofit that I am passionate about in a meaningful way. I will invest my resources in organizations that display integrity, transparency, and holistically serve their cause in an effective way. I also pledge to give of my time to a nonprofit by either being involved through volunteering regularly, serving on a board, or working full-time.

Anonymous

Texas A&M University

Spring
2020

I pledge to live a life of selfless service that provides a way for people to experience love, even through small actions. I pledge to give through my time and resources throughout my life. I pledge to donate at least 10% of my annual income no matter my financial standing, to an organization that represents passion, transparency, and integrity. I pledge to volunteer my time to organizations that promote the betterment of human society, specifically internationally. I pledge to uphold these values and look forward to finding new nonprofits that represent the qualities above.