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!

Devyn Murphy

University of Texas

Spring
2017

I pledge to give 5% of my income back to the charity of my choice when my income reaches a certain amount so that I am still able to live comfortably. Until then, I pledge to give my time to those in need, especially to causes that really speak to me. I pledge to use the concepts from this class when evaluating charities to give to, and to make sure my money makes a long term impact.

Carter Heath

University of Texas

Spring
2017

I pledge to strive to donate as much money as I can to charities I find important.

Cameron Lane

University of Texas

Spring
2017

I will volunteer for at least 25 hours every year.

Blair Nagel

University of Texas

Spring
2017

After graduating college and establishing a steady revenue stream, I pledge to donate a small percentage of my annual income to the following areas: every time I travel abroad, my church, a local charity, a national charity, and an international charity; 1% to each to begin. I pledge to volunteer and donate my time to a non-profit organization once a month.

Anonymous

Vanderbilt University

Spring
2017

My goal is to give 10% of my annual income to charity upon graduating college. In 5 years I will reevaluate this percentage based on how my income has changed. Additionally, I plan to volunteer my service to non profit organizations continually throughout my life at least two days per month. I plan to serve on the board of at least one non profit organization by age 50.

Anonymous

Vanderbilt University

Spring
2017

My giving goal is to dedicate my personal and professional like to one of service. I hope in my career I will be able to work for a nonprofit, either locally or nationally. Outside of work, I plan to volunteer with certain organizations I am passionate about and offer my professional services and eventually serve on the Board of Directors for a Foundation. Monetarily, it may be difficult in the years after graduation to donate but I hope I will be able to donate at least $1,000 a year to an organization, whether that involves being part of a Women’s Giving Circle or if it is simply donating to an organization I volunteer with. As I am able to develop more of a savings, I hope to be able to donate 10% of my family’s annual income to charity every year. More than what I can personally give, I hope to encourage those around me to give as well.