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!

Sarah Mhosky

University of Texas

Spring
2018

I pledge to spend 2-4 days a month for volunteer work once I am settled in my first job. I pledge to devote time to charities that resonate with me so I can help make a difference in someone’s life.

Rachel Seiberg

University of Texas

Spring
2018

I pledge to give at least 5 days of each month to volunteering at an organization of my choice at the time. I plan on doing this until I have the financial means to give at least 5% of my salary to a philanthropy. Thought I am unsure where the future will take me, I would like to donate at least 5% once it is above $80,000 a year. In the meantime, I will donate my time and advocate for the importance of philanthropy and giving.

Quinlan Apel

University of Texas

Spring
2018

I pledge to volunteer 2 days a month and donate 10% of my salary when I have a steady income. I provide any support I can whenever possible to local organizations I am passionate about.

Morgan Gober

University of Texas

Spring
2018

I pledge to volunteer regularly at organizations that I feel make an impact in the world. I also pledge to evaluate my finances and donate to organizations, particularly religious organizations, in regard to what I can afford.

Morgan Evans

University of Texas

Spring
2018

Once I am living comfortably with a steady income, I pledge to donate to nonprofits that I’m passionate about. Until then, I pledge to give my time to organizations.

Matthew Carlyle

University of Texas

Spring
2018

I plan to give 3% of my income per year toward ending global poverty and volunteer 24 hours per year until age 30. From there, I plan to reassess and hopefully increase these numbers.