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 California, Irvine

Winter
2019

My giving goal is to give my time, effort, and passion towards causes. If I earn a higher income than originally expected, then I will give a part of that to local organizations from my community (Antelope Valley). For example, I would like to give to schools so they can further develop (or begin to develop) programs regarding different aspects such as mental health, college readiness, and the basics such as food and clothing. I’ll also allow students to shadow me in my job and answer different questions they may have regarding my career because I know I would enjoy it if others allowed me to do that as well, especially from a younger age.

Anonymous

University of California, Irvine

Winter
2019

My giving goal is to continuously be involved in organizations that uplift communities of color, especially womxn of color. I support organizations that give people acceptance, platforms, peace of mind, and accessibility to resources, and I want to give in the ways that I can either through money or time.

Anonymous

University of California, Irvine

Winter
2019

I pledge to stay civically engaged and be aware of the social and institutional challenges faced by members of my community. I will continue to be involved in causes that I am passionate about. I will strive to learn and grow as a giver by discovering more causes and devoting time and money to them.

Anonymous

University of California, Irvine

Winter
2019

I pledge to remain involved in community work, philanthropy, nonprofits, or any organization that gives to communities or a certain community in need and support with my contributions. And devote my time and efforts towards community involvement while educating myself more about philanthropy and charities.

Anonymous

University of California, Irvine

Winter
2019

I pledge to hopefully give back to other students when I am able to have enough money to give back as frequently as I want. I hope to help others in any way, shape, or form through my own actions and make sure I leave a lasting impact on everyone around me.

Anonymous

University of California, Irvine

Winter
2019

I pledge to give, on a consistent basis, to organizations that ignite passion within me. I will set aside a set (monthly) amount from my budget and either give the full amount to one organization or break it up for several. Regardless of my income I will become a philanthropist, if not financially then with time and effort. I will remind myself that giving is not reserved for the wealthy, but the willing. I will research intently and often to identify causes that motivate me to transfer my resources to them. I will give because I enjoy giving. And as my income grows so will my contributions. I will educate others in the hood about philanthropy and encourage the practice regardless or income. I pledge to become a philanthropy activist and activate awareness in the inner city.