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 spend my career in the public and nonprofit sectors and to weigh my ability to have a positive social impact in a potential job as a key consideration during a job search. I will donate at least 3% of my income if whatever job I end up in pays below the Area Median income in whatever city I live in and at least 6% if it pays at or above the AMI.

Anonymous

Harvard University - Undergraduate

Fall
2018

I pledge to remember the privilege that I was born with and continue to benefit from, and strive to use the privilege to benefit others around me who may not share the same. To do so I will commit to donating a proportion of my income every year to an organisation that can distribute the money to those in need, as well as commit my time to volunteering in ways that are effective and meaningful.

Anonymous

Harvard University - Undergraduate

Fall
2018

I pledge to offer my time, skills, and resources to the betterment of society. Following my college graduation, I pledge to volunteer a minimum of five hours per month and to donate a minimum of 5 percent of my income to charitable causes.

Anonymous

Harvard University - Undergraduate

Fall
2018

I pledge to continue to give my time, money, and effort to charitable causes throughout my adult life.

Anonymous

Harvard University - Undergraduate

Fall
2018

I pledge to always remember the social impact that I am making with my work, either in terms of the career that I pursue, the groups of people that I am directly and indirectly impacting, and the problems I am working to solve. I also pledge to donate my time to boards and volunteer opportunities in the future, after I am able to leverage my skills and networks to help causes that are important to me.

Anonymous

Harvard University - Undergraduate

Fall
2018

I pledge to always contribute in whatever capacity I can, whether it be volunteering, donating, or through my career.