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

I pledge to give back to nonprofit organizations that support causes that align with my goals for the community. When I am able to, I hope to give back 10% of my salary and that philanthropy will always play an integral role in my life.

Anonymous

University of California, Irvine

Winter
2019

I pledge to give back to my community before graduation through engagement and outreach. At times I am on the receiving end of help, so when I am able, I plan to pay my blessings forward. I am in the beginning stages of creating my own non-profit wellness center, which will benefit urban communities.

Anonymous

University of California, Irvine

Winter
2019

I pledge to give back in as many ways as possible whether it is due to donating, volunteering, or even through my future career. I want my actions to one day benefit as many people as possible, especially those in need.

Anonymous

University of California, Irvine

Winter
2019

I pledge to continue to foster my interest in social justice and nonprofit work by staying informed on political affairs and working with organizations that protect communities at risk. After college, I plan to support organizations dedicated to uplifting the voices of nondominant communities, including but not limited to the womxn population, communities of color, and individuals affected by the criminal justice system. I pledge to live a life of service by offering my time, energy, knowledge, and capabilities to assist in any way that is conducive to promoting the mission statement of nonprofits and organizations alike.

Anonymous

University of California, Irvine

Winter
2019

I pledge to continue researching and expanding valuable resources to fellow peers and anyone who becomes interested in the act of giving. Taking a philanthropy course here at UCI has taught me information that I did not consider about philanthropy. Becoming informed is highly important and with that I hope to invest my time and resources wisely in future philanthropic organizations. I want to be that individual who contributes towards social change, and with that I hope to expand my giving goal as time comes and my financial stability increases.

Anonymous

University of California, Irvine

Winter
2019

I pledge to continue learning about issues and raise awareness by being actively involved in my community. I will provide my time, labor and money to further mobilize the work done in my community to push people forward. I hope that I am able to spread my knowledge and applying it when working in my community.