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!

Jay Emerson

University of Texas

Spring
2017

Coming from a humble background and realizing how far my family has come with the support of others, I pledge to forever pay it forward and always give back to the community in every which way possible. Encouraging others to volunteer, give, and support to those in need will allow for the furtherance and success of the community as a whole. Contributing my time, knowledge, and money to philanthropy both now and in a much bigger sense later on in life is my giving goal – helping improve our social welfare.

Jason Dollgener

University of Texas

Spring
2017

I pledge to do more than I am doing now. Like life, your ability to give should never be evaluated in binary terms but on a continuum. Your ability to give back and make a change is evolutionary and must always move forward. Even when life sets you back and you’re unable to impact others, move forward into your greatness and you’ll regain your abundance and ability to effect lives. I can’t predict the future and I can’t predict what I’ll be able to do down the road, but I’ll always stay malleable with the intent to adapt and overcome any and all circumstances to bring light and hope into the lives of those who can’t find it themselves. My goal is to grow my foundation into something that will always enrich the human experience with hope, happiness and love.

Jackson Thomas

University of Texas

Spring
2017

I pledge to give 5% of my income once I pay off all of my educational expenses. I also pledge to volunteer at least 50 hours per year

Hebah Mughal

University of Texas

Spring
2017

I pledge to give 15% of my income to charity organizations that work with refugees and decrease starvation in Third world countries. I I also want to open up a building for homeless men and women who can live rent free and are committed to working hard for their future.

Emily Levin

University of Texas

Spring
2017

I pledge to donate 10% of my income to organizations focused on global health and bettering the lives of children. In addition, to a Monetary pledge, I pledge to volunteer my time when able to.

Emily Ginsburg

University of Texas

Spring
2017

I pledge to always dedicate a portion of my free time, starting now, to supporting philanthropy. I will never find myself guilty of not doing enough, because I will always do my best. Those that need me and my efforts will receive the help I am able to give, and those that know me will follow in my example.My ultimate financial goal is to reach the top of the pyramid, and once I get there, let it trickle down to the bottom. I aim to contribute as muh excess funds I have to those who need it more than I. My family will never starve, but I also hope they never reach the point of excessive wealthiness, and that they will support me in this pledge to help others. I will be a role model for my friends and my children, so that they may strive to create similar goals.