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 advance social impact within my work and to donate a portion of my income each year towards causes that increase equity.

Anonymous

Harvard University

Fall
2017

I plan to give both my time and money to initiatives supporting the arts.

Anonymous

Duke University

Fall
2017

My personal giving goal involves learning as much as I can about people’s thoughts and people’s decision making process when it comes to where people give there money. Not only do I find it riveting to learn more about how different individuals go about this very personal decision, but I feel as if learning more about other people’s ideas about where their donations should go will help me make a better decision on how to donate my own money some day.

Anonymous

Duke University

Fall
2017

I pledge to not only to give to those in need and causes I am passionate about monetarily, but also to devote my time and talents towards volunteering while also maintaining an attitude of utmost request towards the recipients of my charity.

Anonymous

Duke University

Fall
2017

I pledge to not only give now, but also in the future. When I’m older I plan on donating approximately 1% of my total income. Throughout these donations, I also plan on getting to know the people receiving this money. I want to make real connections with the communities I am able to help.

Anonymous

Duke University

Fall
2017

I pledge to not only give money, but spend time learning about those who I am serving. I’d like to make deep personal connections and have an investment in their lives