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

Duke University

Fall
2017

I pledge give a tithe of all my money, time, and labor every year to organizations and people who help to create a more ethical and equitable world.

Anonymous

Abilene Christian University

Fall
2017

My philanthropic goal is Not giving money. Give what who needs help need, and inspire others. I will give 5% of my income to help Boy Scouts of Japan and the organization that needs support for specific help.

Anonymous

Abilene Christian University

Fall
2017

My giving goal is to give atleast 10% of my income joyfully every year. My long term goal is to one day give half of every dollar I make. The organizations that I plan on giving to will consist of both national and international charities. I am excited to really make a difference in the lives of others with this new mindset on giving that I now have!

Anonymous

Abilene Christian University

Fall
2017

My giving goal is to be faithful in always giving 10 percent of my paycheck to my church. I will give an addition 5 percent of my paycheck philanthropically. Not only is that good stewardship but it will cause me to be knowledgeable about local nonprofits and connected to my community. I will also be involved in serving at and with my church at least 2 days a month.

Anonymous

Abilene Christian University

Fall
2017

My giving goal consists of a few parts. Firstly, I pledge give 10% of my income to the church I attend. I also pledge to devote 5% of my income to non profits outside of my church for years 1-5 and 10% of my income following year five. Finally I pledge to devote at least two hours of my week to participating in volunteering activities.

Anonymous

Abilene Christian University

Fall
2017

In recognition of both the tangible and intangible needs that exist in the world, I plan to give 15% of my income to nonprofits as well as 2-3 days each month volunteering with organizations that are benefitting the community.