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

University of Texas

Spring
2018

Once I have a stable job and income, I pledge to give 10% of my earnings each year to a non-profit I see value in. After I graduate, I will give 5 hours of my time each month to a non-profit where I feel I will have a significant positive impact.

Anonymous

University of Texas

Spring
2018

Once I am finished with college and secure a stable financial income, I plan to donate a small portion of my income to worthwhile causes every year. In addition to donating, I plan to volunteer, at least once a year, in local organizations.

Anonymous

University of Texas

Spring
2018

My giving goal is to donate as much time as possible to a charity or nonprofit when I am able. I am pursuing a career in nursing and if all turns out how I plan, I will complete nursing school two years from now. I want to use my expertise, education, and skills to give back to people of low-income communities, local or international. Volunteering is so important because it opens your eyes to what is going on outside of your personal bubble and can lead you to donate not only time, but money as well. Whether it be donating my time, my money, or encouraging others to give back, I pledge to do whatever I can each year to support those that are less fortunate than I am.

Anonymous

University of Texas

Spring
2018

I pledge, while working for a non-profit or attending grad school, to volunteer my time to causes I am passionate about and give whatever surplus income I can to charitable causes. If I end up in a more financially stable career (over $35,000), I pledge to give 10% of my income to my church and causes I am passionate about.

Anonymous

University of Texas

Spring
2018

I pledge to spend a portion of my free time volunteering and helping others. I also pledge to use my money wisely and according to where God calls me.

Anonymous

University of Texas

Spring
2018

I pledge to give a significant portion of my yearly income after the age of 28 (hopefully charitable deductions come back). Furthermore, I pledge to volunteer my time to causes that I find noble (minimum of 60 hours yearly).