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

Abilene Christian University

Fall
2017

I pledge to give at least 10% of my paycheck to the Morning Star Foundation starting in January. Once I start my career I will continue to give 10% of my salary and increase that amount as my salary increases. I also plan to continue volunteering at least once a week, either for my church or another local organization.

Anonymous

Abilene Christian University

Fall
2017

I pledge to always support a child through Compassion International, in college and afterwards. Once I graduate and have a job, I pledge to give an additional 5% of my salary to nonprofits, starting with my first paycheck.

Anonymous

Abilene Christian University

Fall
2017

I plan to pledge 15% of every paycheck I receive to be given to ACU in order to help future students at my school have all the tools and equipment necessary for them to succeed the same way that I feel I have.

Anonymous

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Fall
2017

While I’m an undergrad, my goal is to give as much time, effort, and resources possible to organizations on campus that work to end slavery. Once I graduate and hold a steady job I will pledge to give 15%of my annual income to nonprofits dedicated to ending slavery.

Anonymous

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Fall
2017

Once I secure a job after graduating I pledge to donate at least 10% of my yearly income to nonprofit organizations that focus on mental health with youth.

Anonymous

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Fall
2017

Once I receive a job post graduation, I pledge to give 10% of my income to nonprofit organizations that support youth development, particularly queer youth and youth of color. I will also volunteer at least biweekly for similar organizations.