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 California, Los Angeles

Spring
2018

I pledge to volunteer, donate and raise awareness to the maximum of my capacity every year from now on. I hope to create a larger impact by mobilizing intelligent and like minded individuals to help in changing the world because it cannot be done single handedly.

Anonymous

University of California, Los Angeles

Spring
2018

I pledge to live my life guided through my passion to help others. Whether that is through non-profits, social relationships, advocacy, or fundraising efforts, I pledge to do good. I pledge to support causes financially and with my time and expertise! I believe that little actions can lead to big changes!

Anonymous

University of California, Los Angeles

Spring
2018

I pledge to live a life led by passion for helping those in need. Whether it be through providing financial support or volunteering time, I will make sure to give.

Anonymous

University of California, Los Angeles

Spring
2018

I pledge to give to nonprofit organizations in order to support causes that I find important. I pledge to give at least 10% of my salary when I am able. I also pledge to volunteer as often as I can to give back to my community. I pledge to give my time and money strategically, supporting causes that are both impactful and sustainable.

Anonymous

University of California, Los Angeles

Spring
2018

I pledge to give to local nonprofit organizations as a way to be engaged in my community. I pledge to give my time in the form of volunteer hours as well as at least 10% of my salary when I am able. I pledge to give strategically–this means doing extensive research on potential organizations, having my values align with the organizations’ values, and following up with them to ensure that both my time and money is being used to do the most good in my community.

Anonymous

University of California, Los Angeles

Spring
2018

I pledge to give my time and money to organizations making an impact in my community and at a national/international level. I pledge to do what I can to bring attention to social/environmental issues and be part of the solution.