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

University of Texas

Spring
2017

I pledge to give at least 10% of my income to nonprofit/charitable organizations for the rest of my life.

Anonymous

University of Texas

Spring
2017

I pledge to give 5% of my earnings to philanthropic causes, work hard to stay an active and informed participant for my family’s foundation, and be a fierce advocate in getting people to do the same.

Anonymous

University of Texas

Spring
2017

I pledge to give 10% of my income to non-profit charities once I have finished graduate school and am financially stable enough to do so. I pledge to set aside time at least once a month to make myself available to volunteer or help out with local charities or non-profits. In addition, as of now, I would love to give part of my time and/or resources to a non-profit children’s theater organization that helps bring the arts to local youth. If there is not one that I can give to, and I am financially able to, I would like to start my own.

Anonymous

University of Texas

Spring
2017

I pledge to be generous with both my time and money. Every year after I graduate I would like to give away between 10 and 50% of my annual income in order to affect positive change.

Anonymous

University of Texas

Spring
2017

I pledge to always donate to charitable causes that i believe in. A personal starting point will be 10% of my income after college, but I hope to increase this as my income grows and becomes more stable over time. If misfortune hits I believe that it is still important to give at least something even if 10% is unattainable. Lastly, I hope to volunteer at least once a month to a cause I believe in. Especially if my ability to donate money goes down. All in all it is important to remember the passion I have for helping others, so that I will always be looking for ways to give back.

Anonymous

University of Texas

Spring
2017

I pledge that after I have graduated and am in a stable financial situation, I will give 5%-10% of my monthly income to a charity that focuses on education and the empowerment of women. If I cannot give financial support, I will volunteer my time every month.