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

Rice University

Spring
2018

Upon entering the workforce, I expect to begin donating at least $100 a year to an organization I am regularly volunteering at. Ten years out of graduate school, I hope to have gradually increased this amount to encompass 10% of my income to an organization for which I actively volunteer at.

Anonymous

Rice University

Spring
2018

Once I’m financially stable and independent, I want to find a way to create a self-sustaining 501(c)3 or some other group to continue giving back to the Houston community. Houston’s a rich, diverse community but our efforts of historical preservation have been wanting. Gentrification has also been a big issue in Houston. I want to find a way to support, improve, and preserve our community without displacing anybody. It’ll be hard, but hopefully not impossible.

Anonymous

Rice University

Spring
2018

Once I settle down and have a stable job I want to give a portion of my makings to an organization I believe in

Anonymous

Rice University

Spring
2018

Once I have paid off my student loans I will incorporate my philanthropy goals into my goals each year. I will donate a different amount depending on my income, but I will donate at least $500 a year no matter what. If I make more than $100,000, I will donate at least 5% of my income each year. I also will choose a career where I am helping to create positive change in people’s lives.

Anonymous

Rice University

Spring
2018

Once I have finished my secondary education (Law School), I want to enter the public sector for my own city and really put forth my best efforts toward advancing elementary and high school education within the city as well as enhancing the livelihood of the various districts within the city. I also wished to give at least 10-20% of my income towards NPOs.

Anonymous

Rice University

Spring
2018

Once I graduate from college and am financially stable, I pledge to donate at least 10% of my income towards effective, high impact nonprofit and philanthropic organizations. I plan to thoroughly research these organizations using tools such as GiveWell to ensure that I am donating my funds towards causes I care about & nonprofits where my donations can have the greatest impact. Additionally, I plan to incorporate social impact work into my career throughout my life, and will work to try and improve the lives of those around me.