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

Harvard University - Undergraduate

Fall
2018

I pledge to making a social impact in my personal life and career by always being aware of the inequalities present in our world. I hope to positively influence the communities around me, whether that be through volunteering, working with non-profits, or donating a percentage of my income once I have a stable career.

Anonymous

Harvard University - Undergraduate

Fall
2018

I pledge to give my time, effort, and earnings to philanthropic activities, particularly to address the plight of the underprivileged and those in need. My goal in giving is to create a more equitable society.

Anonymous

Harvard University - Undergraduate

Fall
2018

I pledge to give away a percentage of my earnings that will have a tangible cost on my own standard of living. Throughout my life, I pledge to embody a giving philosophy that is guided by and aligns with my faith and that never loses sight of the privilege that I undeservedly inherited.

Anonymous

Harvard University - Undergraduate

Fall
2018

I pledge to give at least five hours a month to volunteering and 5% of my annual income to charitable causes.

Anonymous

Harvard University - Undergraduate

Fall
2018

I pledge to cultivate and maintain a life and career deeply rooted in public service and philanthropy. I firmly believe in the power of routines and habits and pledge to engage in an activity that supports my community at least once a week. Beyond dedicating time and effort, I plan to deeply assess my monetary giving every half year and use this routine assessment to research causes and organizations and to actually donate.

Anonymous

Harvard University - Undergraduate

Fall
2018

I pledge to commit myself to public service, whether that be through the career choices I make or the ways in which I spend my free time. I pledge to always be mindful of how my actions affect the social world around me, and to try to put some of my monetary and non-monetary resources towards philanthropic efforts each year.