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

Stanford University

Spring
2019

I plan to commit to volunteering on a weekly or biweekly basis for causes that reflect my values and seek to address the needs of the community in which I am living. I am also committed to public service in my career, and hope to work in the field of international development, at an institution like the World Bank or IMF. I plan to think intentionally about donating monetarily to causes on a yearly basis, once I start earning a salary. I will consider whether I should prioritize donating to academic institutions (like Stanford and my HS) or other organizations, that address more fundamental needs, like those discussed by Singer as the most urgent.

Anonymous

Stanford University

Spring
2019

I plan on giving more at least 10 percent of my annual income to causes important to me

Anonymous

Stanford University

Spring
2019

I plan on giving 10% of my annual income to philanthropic work

Anonymous

Stanford University

Spring
2019

I hope to give 5 percent of my annual salary towards charitable causes.

Anonymous

Stanford University

Spring
2019

I commit to give at least 5% of my income to giving each year, and a lifetime of service through my career.

Anonymous

Stanford University

Spring
2019

I am committed to starting my own non-profit someday. As I make more money, I hope to be able to give more because I think it is my obligation to contribute to the well-being of communities.