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

Baylor University

Fall
2018

I will give at least 10% of all my earnings to non-profit organizations and hope in the future to give a higher percentage after establishing my career.

Anonymous

Baylor University

Fall
2018

I want my whole life to be a representation of philanthropy, not just my money. I pledge to give my time and passion towards whatever causes that God puts on my heart in the future. I plan to give 10% of my income as that was something ingrained in me growing up and it has not failed me yet; provided I am not working in the non-profit world. My primary goal is to give out of my time and by my work. I desire to do something active in my life towards helping others that goes beyond money.

Anonymous

Baylor University

Fall
2018

I pledge to, once living on my own with my own income, give 10% of my income to my church or other philanthropic organization. At a later point in life (I don’t know when exactly) I will identify a level of my income that I will live on and give the rest away.

Anonymous

Baylor University

Fall
2018

I pledge to give at least 10% of my annual income to my church community as a baseline and continually give more to the church for growth projects thereafter. Additionally, I plan to give additionally money to philanthropic causes as I am compelled, helping my friends and family engage in their own philanthropic endeavors and engaging with the community at every turn.

Anonymous

Baylor University

Fall
2018

I pledge to give 10% of my annual income. As my income increases, I hope to give a larger percent. I will focus on giving to my church, my college, and various philanthropic organizations that may change as I discover my passions. I also pledge at least an hour of my time to service each week.

Anonymous

Baylor University

Fall
2018

I pledge to donate at least 5% of my income while I pay my student loans back, and then after, at least 10% of my income to the church and to other charitable causes. I hope to continue to increase the percentage as my income grows.