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

From now on I pledge to give at least 15 percent of my income. I also plan on continuing to find ways to use my time and talents to benefit others.

Anonymous

Abilene Christian University

Fall
2017

After I get a steady job and acquire enough funds in my savings account to live for six months without a paycheck if necessary, then I pledge to start giving 5% of my income to charitable organizations. My percentage will change based on my salary levels.

Saira Badar

University of Texas

Spring
2017

I pledge to give as much as I can in the future, after I have a steady source of income and can take care of myself. There is no way to know how the future will play out so I am not designating a set amount for me to donate or where to donate. I know that due to different circumstances and experiences my income can change and my passions of where to donate may change. Therefore, my goal is that I just always continue to help others, wether that be through a simple act such as kind words or something more drastic such as donating money and/or volunteering.

Rylee Trotter

University of Texas

Spring
2017

I pledge to give, in any way I am able, throughout my entire life. I will give not only to causes which I am passionate about, but also those which are in most need and where my giving will have the greatest impact. I will not set my monetary donations to any specific amount, but instead pledge to give whatever I am capable of at the time. I also pledge to set aside time to volunteer, especially if I am not able to donate funds.

Nathan Hsu

University of Texas

Spring
2017

I pledge to be a good steward of my money, making sure to use the knowledge from this class to give wisely and passionately to charities I have researched and care about. I will also continue to be involved with non-profits that serve the community and impact others by spending weekly if not more time committing to volunteering/serving those in my local area. Once I do have a stable source of income, I pledge to give 5% of my earnings to charities to help others on top of 10% tithing. I will increase my giving goal percentage to 10-15% if my salary reaches $100,000 or more.

Morgan Cook

University of Texas

Spring
2017

I pledge to help others in any way I can whenever I can, because none of what I have is truly mine. I pledge to give money when it is in excess to me and time when it is in excess too. I pledge to remember the skills and ideals I learned in Philanthropy: The Power of Giving and to always care for others outside myself. I pledge to bring laughter to those in low spirits, hope to the hopeless, aid to those in need, attention to those forgotten, and happiness to those seeking solace.