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

Fall
2017

I pledge to give generously and to start a nonprofit organization that helps vulnerable populations become resilient to the effects of climate change.

Anonymous

Harvard University

Fall
2017

I pledge to establish a consistent giving goal that includes both financial and human resources. My giving goal is to find the two organizations that are doing work I value and give 5-10% of my income, as well as engage with organizations by providing pro bono work or participating as a board member.

Anonymous

Harvard University

Fall
2017

I pledge to continuously learn more about philanthropy throughout college and beyond and do everything I can to help reduce inequality and make the world a better place.

Anonymous

Harvard University

Fall
2017

I pledge to continue my current work of helping uplift others from communities and backgrounds similar to mine. Once I graduate and have financial stability, I hope to establish a scholarship at Harvard for undergraduates looking to go home for Thanksgiving and Spring Break. These are things I could never afford to do, and I would want to provide the opportunities for low-income and/or first generation students like me. The scholarship would also be available as a stipend for Native American people who do not celebrate Thanksgiving as a form of reparations, and would also be available during Spring Break for low-income/first generation students who would want to go on vacation, as I believe everyone deserves luxury (in moderation), and low-income/first generation students should have the same opportunities as their peers.

Anonymous

Harvard University

Fall
2017

I pledge to commit myself to building and developing the community I am when once I graduate, whether it is through donating money or participating and becoming engaged with local entities.

Anonymous

Harvard University

Fall
2017

I pledge to be an active shareholder, not use proxy voting, and hold myself accountable for the companies I invest in and pushing for change when it’s needed.