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

Rice University

Spring
2019

I pledge to prioritize volunteering and giving as much as I comfortably can at philanthropic organizations as an adult. I pledge to take the time and effort to be a leader to increase equity in my future community.

Anonymous

Rice University

Spring
2019

I pledge to give 10-15% of my salary to non profits that are working on sustainable change. I would like to give to non profits that are run by the commuity and do direct work in areas such as affordable housing and access to education, food, shelter and healthcare. I hope to spend my weekends in my career volunteering at a non profit I am passionate about as well as continuing to learn about and advocate for social justice issues. My long term goal is to serve on a non profit board and commit my time, money and energy to serving populations that are disadvantaged.

Anonymous

Rice University

Spring
2019

I plan to go into academia and commit my work in research specifically to advance the sustainable development goals, such as improving human health or increasing access to renewable energy. I would also like to give at least 10% of my income to charitable causes once I have a salary.

Anonymous

Rice University

Spring
2019

After medical school and before I pay off my debt, I will donate 2% of my income to charitable organizations. After I become a physician, I pledge to donate 5%-10% of my income to charitable organizations.

Anonymous

Rice University

Spring
2019

After becoming a full fledged physician, I plan to donate 3-7 percent of my income, and spend time aiding local non-profits by providing my time as a volunteer. Furthermore, I would like to be a voice for change in health policy towards a more accessible and fair future.

Anonymous

Dartmouth College

Spring
2019

I pledge to give my time and money to nonprofits to which I feel connected following graduation. If I have a significant capacity to give, I will give significantly. In any case, I will at least give to demonstrate support for the organization. I will make an effort to serve on nonprofit boards and councils, as time is an invaluable resource.