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

Baylor University

Spring
2018

I pledge to give 10% of my income and at least an hour of my time each week. I hope to give a higher percent as my income increases.

Anonymous

Baylor University

Spring
2018

I plan to give 10% of my income in the future to a philanthropic organization and to evaluate this percentage each year with the progression of my career. I pledge to evaluate what kind of organization I give to based on my values and the needs of my community and the world around me.

Anonymous

Baylor University

Spring
2018

I plan to continue giving 10% of my annual income as I enter the workplace.

Anna O’Donnell

University of Texas

Spring
2018

I pledge to volunteer my time for a minimum of 50 hours/year, starting now in college onward. When I am financially sufficient I plan to give at least 5% of my income to charity.

Angela Fontillas

University of Texas

Spring
2018

I pledge to give around 5% of my income per year once I gain confidence in my financial stability. Until then, I will give my time as a volunteer wherever I can.

Allyson Benavides

University of Texas

Spring
2018

I pledge to donate to non-profits that focus on health. When I have a steady job, I will dedicate 2% of my income to charitable giving.