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 Pennsylvania

Spring
2018

My goal is to have a more thoughtful relationship with the organizations I give to, using some of the evaluations techniques we have learned in class.

Anonymous

University of Pennsylvania

Spring
2018

My goal is to establish a deep, meaningful connection with a nonprofit organization that focuses on education. I pledge to donate at least 3% of my annual income to that organization when financially able, and if not, I pledge to volunteer my time.

Anonymous

University of Pennsylvania

Spring
2018

My goal is to begin actively giving to causes that I thoroughly research and am passionate about as soon as I am financially capable of doing so, hopefully within the next five years. Until I reach that point and after, I will devote a portion of my time each month to volunteering for these causes, and will seek board service.

Anonymous

University of Pennsylvania

Spring
2018

My goal is to be more focused in my current giving, to expand the amount that I give on an annual basis, and to join a board to use the skills I’ve learned in a practical capacity.

Anonymous

University of Pennsylvania

Spring
2018

My goal is to aid in the execution of missions I believe in, whether my contribution is monetary or unconventional.

Anonymous

University of Pennsylvania

Spring
2018

My giving goal is to engage in monetary gifts once I am in the position to give 5 years from now. I pledge to give at least 3-5% of my annual income. Outside of monetary contributions, I plan on volunteering at least 10 hours a month.