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

I pledge to give 2% of my income each year for 5 years following graduation from university. I will double that percentage of my income every 5 years for a span of 20 years in total. I also will volunteer at least twice per month every month following graduation.

Anonymous

University of Texas

Spring
2018

I pledge to give 10% of my income until I have more disposable income. Then, I will give more relative to my income. I also pledge to give my time to organizations that I am passionate and continue to be an advocate for them.

Anonymous

University of Texas

Spring
2018

I pledge to give 10% of my income to non-profit organizations and charitable causes which align with my passions, provided that I have a full-time job and have achieved and maintained independent financial stability. If I am not in the position to give 10%, I hope that I am still living charitably, volunteering my time, effort, and skills to support my local, national, or global community in whatever way I can.

Anonymous

University of Texas

Spring
2018

I pledge to give 10% of my income once I feel financially stable. Before that I’ll donate 5% of my income.

Anonymous

University of Texas

Spring
2018

I pledge to devote my life to serve others in several ways, such as volunteering, donating, and advocating. Wherever life takes me, I would use my abilities and skills to help every person and child that I can. Also, I pledge to volunteer two or four times each month. On the other hand, I pledge to donate to nonprofits that are causing a long-lasting impact in the world. These donations could be one big donation or several small ones per year. Lastly, I pledge to never lose my “I am going to change the world” attitude, so I can inspire others to always be a nice human and live a story that will impact other people’s stories.

Anonymous

University of Texas

Spring
2018

I pledge to dedicate my time to support nonprofit organizations that align with my passions. In addition, I pledge to give away 10% of my salary to charitable giving once I have a steady job.