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 Washington

Spring
2018

Post graduation and after I’ve found a sustainable source of income, I want to give as much time and money I can to support those in need, whether that be in my local community or the wider scope of the world.

Anonymous

University of Washington

Spring
2018

Once I am finished with graduate school and have secured a stable source of income, I pledge to make yearly sizable donations to the University of Washington, particularly towards scholarships designed to support low-income college students. Gifts like these have made my own college career possible, so I would like to have that same impact on those who may not have the financial means to be a successful student.

Anonymous

University of Washington

Spring
2018

My upbringing in a Muslim household shapes my thoughts on philanthropy. Islam encourages simplistic lifestyles and donating excess monetary amounts to people in need of it. As I grow older, I see myself adhering to that practice. I currently do not live a minimalist life, but I am working towards that goal. My giving goal while in college is to donate 8% of my paychecks to development efforts in my home country and to volunteer 5 hours of my time each month at an after-school youth club or organization. Upon completing college, I plan to work for a few years before going back to school to obtain a graduate degree. During that time, I plan to donate 12% of salary to philanthropic organizations. Once I obtain my graduate degree, I plan to dedicate 20% of my salary to international organizations that promote education specifically for girls and women.

Anonymous

University of Washington

Spring
2018

My goal is to support both local and domestic projects with at least 20 hours of my time per 3 months and at least 5-10% of my salary in order to promote the growth and empowerment of marginalized groups. These projects can be educational, support driven, etc. as long as they interact and help build the community and its relations

Anonymous

University of Washington

Spring
2018

My giving goal is to combine my career goals and my giving goals by doing one pro-bono case a year, and giving both my time and my money to organizations both locally and internationally.

Anonymous

University of Washington

Spring
2018

My giving goal is to be actively involved in philanthropy that relates to issues I’m passionate about. This means to contribute financially to organizations that I have heavily researched, and it means to donate my time as well. I would like to begin doing so once I’m in my career so that I have financial stability and can sustainably support an organization/organizations. I think it’s important to support issues that I’m passionate about and have more knowledge on because then I will be more likely to maintain my goal with hopes to see changes in something more personal and I will be able to contribute more than just finances. I also think it’s important to research these organizations and make sure I’m giving responsibly and not to an organization which indirectly harms a community or marginalized people.