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 that once I complete my education, I will commit a life to public service in the non-profit sector in order to help those in need. My time, passion, and decisions will be dedicated to making a difference in our communities.

Anonymous

University of California, Los Angeles

Spring
2018

I hope that by the time I have a stable income to support myself, that I will start giving a number of small donations in hopes to build on them.

Anonymous

University of California, Los Angeles

Spring
2018

I have chosen a path in education with a future career in social change in mind. Although I’m already engaged in such work, school permitting — volunteering, giving, and directing my academic research accordingly — when I complete my education I pledge to devote all my resources to leaving the world better than I found it.

Anonymous

Texas Christian University

Spring
2018

I, Julia, pledge to give habitually and try to inspire friends, family, and co-workers to do the same throughout my life. After graduation, I will give at least 10 percent of my annual income to causes and organizations that align with my core values. I pledge to practice due diligence and build lasting relationships with the organizations to which I contribute my time, talents, and finances. I will review my giving practices annually to measure the effectiveness of my gifts and hold myself accountable, adjusting this giving pledge as necessary. I look forward to spend a life helping others!

Anonymous

Texas Christian University

Spring
2018

I promise to measure future success in terms of how much of my time and money is given away. After graduation, a minimum of 10% of my annual income will be donated to causes that align with my core values. Additionally, I will volunteer at a non-profit organization or foundation that directly addresses the root causes of social concerns. I pledge to dedicate the amount of time that will be necessary to ensure that my giving is impactful and sustainable.

Anonymous

Texas Christian University

Spring
2018

I promise to commit my time, energy, and finances to causes and organizations that align with my core values. I promise to make giving a motivating factor for working hard all of the days of my life. I will work to deepen the faith, education, and social justice of those that are near and far from me. I will inspire friends, family, and co-workers to do the same. After graduation, a minimum of 10% of my annual income will be donated and I pledge to practice due diligence and build lasting relationships with the organizations to which I contribute my time, talents and finances.