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

University of Pennsylvania

Spring
2019

I plan to use the next few years to dedicate myself to the global service sector through an international service program. Upon returning I hope to stay in the non-profit or philanthropy sector, and dedicate a portion of my future income to causes and organizations in a thoughtful, deliberate capacity.

Anonymous

Texas Christian University

Spring
2019

In terms of money, I pledge to give 10% of my income to non-profits that are in the community that I am living in. I also pledge to give not only money but also my time and talents to the organizations, to better the community and world as a whole.

Anonymous

Texas Christian University

Spring
2019

I pledge to not wait for the “perfect time” to start giving, and start now. I will give my time and talent to at least one nonprofit a month that is tackling issues I feel most passionate about. I pledge to start donating 5% of my income, and increase the percentage as my salary increases. I pledge to never give carelessly. I will do my due diligence when evaluating nonprofits, remembering to never take the heart out of giving. Additionally, I will evaluate my gifts annually to make sure they continue to be effective and impactful. Lastly, I pledge to always remember how privileged I have been throughout my life, and use the education and skills I have acquired to help those who didn’t have the same opportunities as I did, because to whom much is given, much is expected.

Anonymous

Texas Christian University

Spring
2019

I pledge to habitually, strategically, and responsibly give at least 10% of my income to nonprofits working in the community I call home. I will diligently review the work these nonprofits are doing and will reassess my giving goal on an annual basis. Most importantly I will not forget to keep the heart in giving.

Anonymous

Texas Christian University

Spring
2019

I pledge to habitually give at least 5% of my income to organizations that have impacted me or my loved one and align with my core values. I plan to build quality relationships with these organizations, as well. In my ideal giving, I will set up a separate account and let the 5% of my income accumulate. This is so important because I will recognize this money as not being my own, but it as money for other deserving individuals. I also pledge to habitually give my time and energy to these organizations, especially while in pursuing the rest of my time here at TCU for undergraduate school. I hope to inspire others to join me in my mission for “smart giving” and true philanthropy.

Anonymous

Texas Christian University

Spring
2019

I pledge to give joyfully and thoughtfully with my time, talent, and resources. Upon receiving my first paycheck- I pledge to to give 5% to nonprofit organizations doing work that aligns with my values. To pledge my time I will volunteer with a nonprofit in my community- to ensure I am knowledgeable and engaged with my community and the causes I support. I will use the knowledge gained from this course to teach my friends and family about what it means to give intentionally- in the hopes they will hold me accountable to my pledge and form a goal of their own.