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

Texas A&M University

Spring
2019

I pledge to always serve selflessly and with gratitude in my extracurricular and academic activities. I will uplift others unsparingly in my classes, workplace, and at home. I aspire to donate 10% of my income to charitable giving and cherish volunteer opportunities to serve on boards and offer my time. Lastly, I pledge to drive an innovative solution to furthering girls’ education in impoverished communities and dream up a nonprofit one day, glorifying God in all that I do.

Anonymous

Stanford University

Spring
2019

I promise to donate my time and money when I can to worthy nonprofit organizations until I make a 100,000, at which I point I hope to donate at least 5% of my income to nonprofits regularly. I also hope to prioritize helping nonprofits rooted in the community and involved with providing basic necessities to vulnerable populations.

Anonymous

Stanford University

Spring
2019

I pledge to support important causes through my job, or with my time and money. Once I become financially stable I will give regularly to nonprofits, until then I will give when I can.

Anonymous

Stanford University

Spring
2019

I pledge to leverage my Stanford education for a career in public service, with a focus on promoting democratic participation and greater inclusivity in the political process. I also plan to make philanthropic giving an important part of my life, especially to causes that promote educational opportunity, women’s rights, and immigration justice. I also hope to give back to institutions that have been transformative in my life and my family’s life, including the public service center at Stanford and various Jewish community institutions.

Anonymous

Stanford University

Spring
2019

I pledge to give 5% of my income to charity after I start making at least 50K a year, I also plan to supplement this donation by volunteering at a non-profit to give back to my community.

Anonymous

Stanford University

Spring
2019

I pledge to donate both my money and efforts to causes that support my passion for human rights and social justice. While it is hard to specify the exact percentage of income I will plan to donate, I am confident that once I establish my own income, I will be able to determine the appropriate percentage.