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 Christian University

Spring
2018

I pledge to give habitually and inspire friends, family, and co-workers to do the same. 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 either annually to measure the effectiveness of my gifts and hold myself accountable, adjusting this giving pledge as necessary.

Anonymous

Texas Christian University

Spring
2018

I pledge to give diligently and effectively, and to inspire my family, friends, and co-workers to do the same. 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 to build lasting relationships with the organizations that I contribute my time, talents, and finances to. I will review my giving practices every year to measure the effectiveness of my gifts and to hold myself accountable, adjusting this giving pledge as necessary.

Anonymous

Texas Christian University

Spring
2018

I pledge to give away 10% of the money I make each year after graduation. I hope to accumulate this money over time to make a very impactful gift when it is time for me to donate. I also promise to stick to this goal and communicate with Dr. Pitcock when he reaches out to me years later to discuss my giving goal.

Anonymous

Texas Christian University

Spring
2018

pledge to give habitually and inspire friends, family, and co-workers to do the same. After graduation, I will give at least 5 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 either annually to measure the effectiveness of my gifts and hold myself accountable, adjusting this giving pledge as necessary.

Anonymous

Texas A&M University

Spring
2018

I pledge to be mindful of the needs around me and give when I see a need. In addition, after I graduate and have a steady job, I pledge to give at least 10% of my income to philanthropic needs, split between my church and causes I feel called to give to. I also pledge to use my time and talents when possible, particularly once I’m settled in a place and have found organizations I connect with.

Anonymous

Texas A&M University

Spring
2018

I hope to be philanthropic throughout my entire life, not just when I feel “established” in my career. As a Christian, I believe that we are called to give generously and think giving is an excellent way to participate in God’s work on this earth. With these things in mind, I plan to also incorporate C.S. Lewis’ perspective, “I do not believe one can settle on how much we ought to give. I am afraid the only safe rule is to give more than we can spare… There ought to be things we should like to do and cannot because our charitable expenditure excludes them” (Mere Christianity). So, rather than laying down a fixed, legalistic percentage, I want to give and judge the amount that I am giving by ensuring that I am having to give something up to do it. The exact percentage will probably shift during different life phases, but, ultimately, I never want to forget that this life is about more than just me and that my time on this earth is limited, therefore my investments should reflect that reality.