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!

Justin Bassey

Harvard University - Undergraduate

Fall
2019

I pledge to give my time and an amount of my salary that I see as appropriate given my personal situation. Today, I pledge to give to causes that focus on education especially among the African American community, however, realize that my priorities and what I deem most in need of donation is subject to change over the course of time. I pledge to stay informed, and continue to give my best effort to fostering improvement in the communities in which I live, and the global society at large.

jude najjar

Harvard University - Undergraduate

Fall
2019

I hope to give as much as my ability allows me to and to volunteer my time to aid causes that I believe in and causes that will help ease the suffering of others and improve the world.

Josh R

Baylor University

Fall
2019

I pledge to tithe 10% of my income to my local church yearly. I also pledge that, beginning after I get out of debt, I will give an additional amount to non-profits yearly in order to create more value and impact in the community. I pledge to research the organizations I will give to in order to ensure that the funds will go to good use and create the most good possible.

Jordan Griffin

Baylor University

Fall
2019

I pledge to give 15% of my income. 10% will go to my local church and 5% will go to a non-profit of my choice. I aim to give to non-profits that focus on using business as a means of lifting others out of poverty

Johann May

Harvard University - Undergraduate

Fall
2019

I pledge to donate a certain amount of my future resources to non-profits, but to also be an active citizen that protects and helps to forward society.

Joel Anderson

Washington University In St. Louis

Fall
2019

After graduation, I plan to donate at least 5% of my income to nonprofit organizations that focus on issues like racial equity, anti-poverty initiatives, and environmental advocacy. If my financial standing allows it, I would like to progressively give more money over time until 10-15% of my income is going toward groups that share my interests.