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

Tulane University

Fall
2018

I pledge to make sure that no matter what career I pursue, it works towards bettering a social cause that I am passionate about. In other words, I want to make sure that I spend my time in life helping those who need it. Once I am in a financially stable position in life, I pledge to donate 5% of my earnings to philanthropic efforts.

Anonymous

Tulane University

Fall
2018

I pledge to donate my time, money, and skills to making a difference with groups that I am passionate about. I want to be philanthropic both in my career and personal life. I hope to have the opportunities to personally interact with the people who are benefiting from my chosen organizations and understand their needs. I look forward to seeing the impact that I can help make throughout my life.

Anonymous

Tulane University

Fall
2018

I pledge to donate my time to organizations that I am passionate about until I have a stable and sustainable income and then in addition to my time, I will donate 5% of my yearly income to organizations that align with my passions.

Anonymous

Tulane University

Fall
2018

I pledge to donate both time and money in support of nonprofits dedicated to achieving positive social changes that align with my values. Once I obtain full-time employment upon graduating from college, I will organize more tangible, specific goals to hold myself accountable so as to follow through with my promise to assist organizations doing great work in my community, city, country and the world.

Anonymous

Tulane University

Fall
2018

I pledge to donate at least 10% of my salary once I obtain a job after graduating from college. Volunteering is one of my passions and I believe donating to causes and organizations is something I would willingly donate my money and time to.

Anonymous

Tulane University

Fall
2018

I pledge to dedicate my time to support non-profit organizations that align with my passions. Post graduation, once I have a job I will dedicate 10% of my salary to charitable giving, and hope to be able to increase this number every 5 years.