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!

Monique Amado

University of Texas

Spring
2017

Remember where you came from and where you are. Things could be a lot worse but you HAVE to help others no matter what wether it’s with time or money depending on the financial situation I’m in. A baseline numbers should be close to 5-8 percent but I’m not bounded by it. The important thing to remember is to give not necessarily the amount and give with detail to where he money is going and whether the charity is reliable.

Molly Englander

University of Texas

Spring
2017

I pledge to do all in my power to give back significantly every year. Whether it be donating my time, donating my money, or inspiring someone else to donate and give back. I will try when the time comes to at least donate 10% of my income to various organizations and if my salary allows for more, I will fluctuate the percentage donated.

Mohamed Mohamed

University of Texas

Spring
2017

Upon completion of graduate school and repayment of my student loans, I pledge to initially give 5% of my income and gradually increase the percentage I give over time.

Michael Rybicki

Harvard University - Graduate

Spring
2017

I pledge to give away 7% of my salary to charitable causes.

Kaab Ashqeen

University of Texas

Spring
2017

I pledge to give at least 2.5% of my annual salary after I have repaid any loans I might have incurred throughout my education. Then for any increase in salary I will increase the percentage I give, and, ultimately, one day hope to start my own foundation for giving to nonprofits – one that gives effectively and efficiently for the greatest impact in the world, as a whole.

Jaylene Lemus

University of Texas

Spring
2017

My giving goal is to give as much available money that i have to a charity that has to do with children. Although I believe there are many different aspects of charities that are well deserving of donations, children are the ones just touching on life, and I believe they are the most important.