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!

Abby Block

Baylor University

Fall
2019

I pledge to give 10% off my income to philanthropic organizations through my local church after I graduate and have a job. Once I become more financially stable, I will increase my percentage to 15%, giving 10% to my local church and 5% to to other philanthropic nonprofits in my town to serve practical needs in my community. In addition, I will continue to serve my community in tangible ways through volunteer service, and I pledge to commit myself to give my time in service to engage the needs of my local community.

Brynn Martin

Texas A&M University

Spring
2019

I pledge to donate my time, money and expertise to nonprofits following my graduation. I aim to give 5% of my disposable income initially and increase to 10% after entering my full time job. After I pay off student loans, the percentage will increase to 15% of my income. Additionally, I hope to serve a minimum of 25 hours a month directed towards a non profit and eventually serve on a board of directors.

Anonymous

University of Texas - McCombs

Spring
2019

I pledge to give at least 5% of my income to nonprofits during my first five years of a job, then increase this to 10% after saving enough to support myself and future family in times of harship. I will give to causes that support my passions for improving education access and preparing the workforce of the future. Both of these issues tie into my theory of systemic change. I will not give blindly, but will instead conduct research on potential organizations’ needs, leadership, potential for impact, and more.

Anonymous

University of Texas - McCombs

Spring
2019

After graduation, I would like to start donating 5% of my salary to non-profits that support education for low income and at risk youth. I would also like to find time to volunteer for a humanitarian or youth-focused non-profit, and would like to serve on the board of a non-profit in the next 15 years.

Anonymous

University of Pennsylvania

Spring
2019

I plan to do more volunteering and work in the nonprofit sector.

Anonymous

University of California, Irvine

Spring
2019

I pledge to invest my time and resources towards the empowerment of marginalized communities in education through philanthropic activity. I will support non-profit organizations that create sustainable impacts through volunteering my time and connections as well as donating 10% of my annual income once a professional. I hope to create a long-term relationship with and commitment to a non-profit organization that I can continue to support the efforts of across the years, supporting sustained efforts in the community they serve.