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

Texas A&M University

Spring
2018

I pledge to be purposeful in philanthropic giving. I pledge to pursue lifelong learning on social issues and how the nonprofit community is addressing these issues.

Anonymous

Texas A&M University

Spring
2018

I pledge to approach philanthropic problems as opportunities. I pledge to leverage my skills, resources, and past experiences to strategically partner with organizations that have sustainable solutions to social problems. Specifically, I will practice this by donating 10% of my resources and time to better society. As an engaged member of my community, I hope to inspire values of responsibility and generosity in others.

Anonymous

Texas A&M University

Spring
2018

I pledge to actively give of my time and my possessions generously. I pledge to actively pursue budgeting post graduation so that I will be able to give 10% of my income regularly. I pledge to encourage, motivate, and educate those around me of the benefits of strategic giving.

Anonymous

Texas A&M University

Spring
2018

I commit to live a life focused on others first, and to giving at least 10% of my income to causes that do not directly benefit myself.

Anonymous

Texas A&M University

Spring
2018

I challenge myself to pursue growth, ask purposeful questions, and lead a generous life. I strive to be both passionate and rational when making philanthropic decisions. I will only move forward after asking myself the question: “Does this feel right?” I pledge to pursue a career in which I can use my knowledge to truly help others. For the rest of my life, I will dedicate myself to the pursuit of strategic and sustainable philanthropic practices. I will encourage others to do the same.

Anonymous

Texas A&M University

Spring
2018

After graduating, I pledge to give 10% of my income to non-profits or local philanthropies. More importantly, I pledge to give my time to volunteer locally and internationally to the causes I am most passionate about. My giving will be both monetary and physical as I strive to take advantage of every opportunity to help those in need.