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

Giving appropriately for my current situation, with a minimum of 5%. Additionally, relavent volunteering often.

Anonymous

University of Texas

Spring
2017

By the time I hit 30 years old, I hope to have a sustainable income which would allow me to donate 10% of my earnings to a non-profit organization of my choice. Currently, I am interested in issues regarding human rights and helping those in need by providing services in health and relief. I hope to always be passionate about that throughout my life and never forget that there still are injustices in our world and throughout our communities. Additionally, I hope to make time at least once a month to go volunteer somewhere in my own community (or elsewhere) to physically be there to help these people, as well as allow my future family to understand the impact they’re making from a young age.

Anonymous

University of Pennsylvania

Spring
2017

I pledge to dedicate my time furthering the reach and goals of nonprofit organizations with missions in which I believe with my time, career, efforts, and where possible, funds.

Anonymous

Texas Christian University

Spring
2017

Beginning with my first paycheck upon graduation, I will habitually give at least five percent of my monthly income, with the option of increasing (but never decreasing) the percentage as desired as my financial situations change and grow. I pledge to apply the lessons learned in TCU’s Nature of Giving course, especially due diligence and responsible giving. I commit to giving my assets, including (but not limited to) time, talents, and finances to causes about which I am passionate. I will review my giving practices annually to measure the effectiveness of my gift(s) and hold myself accountable. I furthermore pledge to include my family in all aspects my giving processes so that their participation will inspire them to be generous and responsible donors in their adult lives.

Anonymous

Texas A&M University

Spring
2017

Strategic Philanthropy has opened my eyes to the breadth that Philanthropy can take in my life. It has encouraged me to reexamine they way I give my time, talent, and treasure away. It has encouraged me to continue giving 10% of my income to my local church as well as committing to give above and beyond this to other causes and organizations. Additionally, I pledge to continually seek out opportunities in my adult life to give my time to organizations who are seeking to better the world around them and share the love of God.

Anonymous

Texas A&M University

Spring
2017

Once I graduate from college and begin working, I pledge to make consistent giving a priority. I pledge to give my money carefully, prayerfully, and thoughtfully. I pledge to use my money to alleviate pain and suffering on this earth, empower God’s people, and fund organizations that are eternity minded. I pledge to value generosity, and hopefully spend time with people who value generosity as well. I pledge to practice looking at needs with a mix of deep compassion and strategic logic. I pledge to give out of humility, and to be faithful about checking my motives when I give my money away.