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

Tulane University

Fall
2019

I challenge myself to give 5-10% of my income every year to charity, and to perform a random act of kindness at least once a day

Anonymous

Tulane University

Fall
2019

As a public health student. I have a broad field to find my place. With so many different academic paths to go down, it can be really confusing and sometimes stressful to try and figure out “what I want to be when I grow up.” However, there is one aspiration of mine that is quite clear: remain involved and possibly even become a founder, in the nonprofit world. I have lots of work experience in the field already, but in the coming years, I want to gain knowledge in the logistical and technical aspects of starting up a nonprofit, grant-writing, and leadership. One day, I would love to run a successful nonprofit with my family that somehow exposes and teaches elementary and/or high school students either the importance of health and wellness or about whichever public health field I decide to pursue. I am excited about these plans, and this class has definitely been a step in the right direction for me to achieve my giving goals.

Anonymous

Texas A&M University

Fall
2019

Upon graduation, I would love to give about 5-10% of my salary and hopefully increase it based on my salary. Learning about everything that goes into giving has opened my eyes to all of the good that can come from giving and contributing to organizations that can do some good. I would love to be involved with some philanthropies of my choice as well, whether it be as a volunteer or board member. I will continue my involvement through donating and other involvement for as long as I can.

Anonymous

Texas A&M University

Fall
2019

Once I have a job after finishing school, I want to find major issues in the area I will living to really get close and dig deep to help both with my time and money. I want to be informed of my community’s needs and appropriately aid and walk along side those that are in need. I do not have a set amount in mind, but I would like to set a minimum of 5% financially to give to these causes I choose to invest in.

Anonymous

Texas A&M University

Fall
2019

I will not wait to be a giver, I pledge to start immediately giving 10% of my income away. Additionally, I pledge to be an informed giver, always seeking to understand where exactly my money is going and what purpose it is serving. I also commit to not only giving money away but also time and energy as well, seeking to personally connect with at least one nonprofit after graduation. My final commitment is that I will go from this class and be a life long giver, committed to living a life of which giving is at the forefront of action and thought.

Anonymous

Texas A&M University

Fall
2019

I pledge to give away at least 10% of my annual income to social impact organizations each year. After college, it is my goal to form a giving and volunteer relationship with at least one nonprofit in my area. In 5 years, I would like to see myself volunteering at least monthly and donating semi annually to a social impact organization that I feel is truly making a difference. I hope to continue to engage in the social impact sector throughout my life, regardless of my salary or how demanding my responsibilities may be. I pledge to engage in the difficult conversations, become an advocate for those who need it, and continue to learn through the service of others!