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

Harvard University - Undergraduate

Fall
2017

I pledge to commit forty hours per year to volunteer work for nonprofit and social impact organizations. I pledge to continue my work in the nonprofit center centered on helping young individuals gain access to and knowledge of their society so that they may be active participants in our civic ecosystem.

Anonymous

Harvard University - Undergraduate

Fall
2017

I pledge to become actively involved with at least one local nonprofit wherever I settle after graduation. In addition to volunteering and donating my time, I will provide annual donations to nonprofits that I care about, increasing my donations proportionately with my income. I will also encourage my friends and family to become involved with philanthropy through either volunteer work or monetary donations.

Anonymous

Duke University

Fall
2017

I pledge to donate 10% of my yearly income to charity and organizations that will use my money efficiently and effectively increase the well being and happiness of human beings.

Anonymous

Duke University

Fall
2017

I pledge to continue to make a positive impact on the world, by helping those in need. For me philanthropy in the future, will be more than just donating money, but also donating my time and energy to causes. Once I have a stable income, I pledge to donate every year at least 10% of my income to nonprofits that I feel impacted by.

Anonymous

Duke University

Fall
2017

I pledge to always maintain awareness of issues that align with my personal values, whether they be present in my local community or internationally. I will donate not only 1% of my income currently and after I graduate, but also time when called upon or in line with events that I believe in and support.

Anonymous

Duke University

Fall
2017

I pledge to actively give back to the community I live in after a graduate. Whether this be hands-on volunteering and/or monetary gifts. Additionally, I will raise my children to know and believe in the importance to giving back to the community around you.