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

Pepperdine University

Fall
2017

I pledge to always remember that God has blessed me with a giving heart, and that I am called to give in any way that I possibly can in order to be a servant to my brothers and sisters around me! Whether that is giving money or giving my time, I pledge to be connected to those around me who are in need, and to never turn anyone away.

Anonymous

Harvard University - Undergraduate

Fall
2017

I pledge to put my best efforts in positively shaping, impacting, and transforming the lives of the people around me. Through giving significant portions of my earnings, as well as devoting my time to help and mentor others in meaningful ways, I hope to make this world a better place than the one in which I was born

Anonymous

Harvard University - Undergraduate

Fall
2017

I pledge to make a positive impact on society by identifying both instances and structures of inequality and contributing time and money to address such situations. Though I will endeavor to give my time where possible, I will recognize when monetary donations will have a more efficient or deeper impact. After finishing my education and entering full-time work, I will donate 10% of my income to nonprofit organizations.

Anonymous

Harvard University - Undergraduate

Fall
2017

I pledge to continue volunteering for local organizations after graduation, and I pledge to begin donating 10% of my income once I have paid for graduate school.

Anonymous

Harvard University - Undergraduate

Fall
2017

I pledge to continue my involvement in service and to empower youth in disadvantaged communities around the world and in Rwanda in particular. I already dedicate a significant portion of my time and resources to this cause. However, as I advance in my life and career, I will make sure that charitable giving has a central part of my life. I hope to share my expertise in advancing effective use of philanthropic resources to maximize their intended impact. In addition, I will ensure that those who cross paths with me understand the importance of giving to a cause that has deep social impact.

Anonymous

Harvard University - Undergraduate

Fall
2017

I pledge to commit my life to making the world a better place by centering my career on social impact, donating significant portions of my income, and doing my best to positively shape the lives of people around me.