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

Vanderbilt University

Spring
2019

10% of post-tax income with an increased percentage if my salary surpasses $100,000 with the % based on family circumstances I pledge to also donate my time to organizations that I am passionate about on a regular basis

Anonymous

Vanderbilt University

Spring
2019

After I secure permanent employment, I will donate 10% of my annual income to the charity of my choice.

Anonymous

University of Texas

Spring
2019

Upon graduation, I plan on supporting a non-profit that reaches my community, and if I have the financial liberty to do so I would like to support international efforts as well. I want to contribute a portion of my free time towards volunteering for a charity as well as make monetary donations with any disposable income I have. After graduation, I would like to work for a non-profit and if given the opportunity I would like to serve on a non-profit’s board as well.

Anonymous

University of Texas

Spring
2019

Upon finishing graduate school, I will give 10% of my income and 10% of my time to non-profit organizations I feel are doing meaningful work.

Anonymous

University of Texas

Spring
2019

Once I start receiving a stable income that I can live off comfortably after graduate school, I will learn about local non-profits that I’m passionate about and plan to give away 5-10% of my annual income to those selected non-profits.

Anonymous

University of Texas

Spring
2019

Once I have completed law school and get a job, I pledge to give 10% of my salary to nonprofit causes. Depending on my life circumstances, I plan to increase that percentage as my annual income increases. I also hope to give some of my time volunteering for a nonprofit that supports a cause close to my heart.