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 Washington

Winter
2019

With every paycheck I get from this point on, I pledge to take 10% and donate it to an organization or program that is helping the most marginalized communities here in the US and around the world. If at some point that 10% is too much to let go of, then I will give my time as a volunteer for programs in my community. I also pledge to continue thinking critically about how we give and share what I’ve learned on how to be a better supporter of the causes we donate money to.

Anonymous

University of Washington

Winter
2019

Starting the year after I graduate college I pledge to donate 10 percent of my annual income to organizations that promote Jesus, I believe that faith in Jesus is the most important thing in this life time because without Him nothing is possible. Giving just 10 percent to causes that will lead people towards Him is such a small token for Him who gave His life to save me. In the meantime, I pledge to donate my time to my community and spend time volunteering each month for organizations that resonate with me. I pledge to fully research all of the organizations I am considering to donate to or volunteer at.

Anonymous

University of Washington

Winter
2019

Once I am financially stable, I pledge to give 5-10% of my income to organizations whose causes I am passionate about and I have researched well, especially those that focus on education. I am passionate education because access to an education can change a child’s life and is something that no one can take away from them. I also pledge to prioritize giving in my daily life, whether it is giving food to the less fortunate at a shelter in my community, or donating to causes globally. If I am unable to give financially, then I will volunteer my time and resources to organizations in my community.

Anonymous

University of Washington

Winter
2019

My goal is to have a career where I am helping others, hopefully through pro bono services. If that does not work, I will continue to volunteer my time through different organizations. I also pledge that I will donate at least 10% when I start receiving consistent paychecks that cover more than my rent and other necessary expenses.

Anonymous

University of Washington

Winter
2019

My goal is to dedicate my future career to serving public needs in addition to donating 10% of my income to well-researched and well cared-for causes. I want to live a life of rich generosity and also have a stabilized financial household where I can provide for my family and allow my own loved ones to dream big and feel supported in their pursuits to happy and healthy living.

Anonymous

University of Washington

Winter
2019

My goal is to dedicate my career to public service either nationally or internationally and to support with my finances other organizations once I pay off my student loans.