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

I pledge to dedicate myself to philanthropy through action and donations. Once I am financially stable and have started my lifelong career, I pledge to volunteer at least once a week at organizations I find in need of the most help. I also pledge to continuously donate to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation on a monthly basis, financially stable or not, this organization provides backpacks to newly diagnosed children every day and they are in constant need of help. Philanthropy through action and donations shall not only be my pledge, but my commitment to this lifestyle.

Anonymous

University of Washington

Winter
2019

I pledge to continue volunteering for local non-profits, and to donate when I can to organizations. Once I have a stable job, I pledge to donate 5-10% of my income to organizations.

Anonymous

University of Washington

Winter
2019

I pledge to continue to tithe. It’s important to me and is a big part of my faith to give back at least ten percent on my monthly income to a cause that benefits the church. I pledge to continue to donate my time and efforts back to the communities that raised me. I want to be able to use my agency and privileges to help and support others in need.

Anonymous

University of Washington

Winter
2019

I pledge to continue doing volunteer work for local non-profit organizations at least once a month. Once I begin working full time, I will donate at least five percent of my income to sustainable international aid organizations. I currently live frugally as a student, and I aim to continue that lifestyle into my adult life. If I have extra money after paying for my necessities, I pledge to give at least 20 percent of that money to international aid organizations as well.

Anonymous

University of Washington

Winter
2019

I pledge to consistently donate my time and money to local and international organizations that will use these resources effectively, efficiently, and equitably. These donations will be proportionate to the amount of each that I am in position of, so as my income grows, so to do financial donations. And should I find myself with more time than is adequate to provide for my family and me, I will increase the amount I give to helping others less fortunate.

Anonymous

University of California, Irvine

Winter
2019

Once I graduate and find a stable job in the future and complete my masters, I want to donate at least 10% of my salary every single year into philanthropic organizations because I want to see them grow and prosper as they help our community. I am going to start off donating to smaller nonprofits and hopefully they are impacted to do more for the community with the funds that they receive, I want to be an individual who can change my community for the better so I am willing to give to philanthropy in a couple of years.