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

Emory University

Spring
2020

I will donate at least $100/year to nonprofits and volunteer at least 20 hours per year to nonprofits. I will continue to follow a plant-based diet.

Anonymous

Emory University

Spring
2020

I pledge to volunteer my time at least twice a month at a local nonprofit, practice and advocate for conscious consumption, and in 10 years consider offering pro-bono work or donate consistently to a nonprofit I support.

Anonymous

Emory University

Spring
2020

After I graduate, I pledge to give 10% of my income to a nonprofit or philanthropic cause that supports economic development in high-poverty areas. I will also volunteer at least once a month at a nonprofit that supports a cause that I care about.

Anonymous

Emory University

Spring
2020

After graduating, I pledge to volunteer at least 5 hours per month at a local non-profit. I will also seek out opportunities to work with non-profits in the workplace as well as donate a portion of my salary to a cause that I am passionate about.

Anonymous

Columbia University

Spring
2020

Years ago this beautiful city inspired me to be a weekly volunteer, which spawned into a non-profit program founder, and then into an Associate Board executive member. Even as a self-proclaimed avid giver, there is always room for growth. After graduation, I plan on increasing my giving by 5% to reach a minimum 10% goal, as well as continue to properly utilize and donate my professional skill-set to enhance non-profit programs. I agree with social critic Michael Walzer when he says, “the gift relation is one of the most fundamental forms of social decency.”

Anonymous

Columbia University

Spring
2020

No matter what part of the world a person lives in and no matter what their socioeconomic status is, everyone should feel included in shaping laws and regulations that affect them. Growing up as a black person in America, I never felt included in shaping my community, let alone society. For a long time, I held the attitude of “Why vote when people like me will continue to suffer regardless of who is in office?”. My giving goal is to support leadership opportunities that empower citizens to advocate for policy effective change.