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

Texas A&M University

Spring
2017

I pledge to dedicate my career to working in the social sector, either in a non-profit or a for-profit social enterprise. I pledge to donate at least 10% of my income monthly to my local church or a social cause that aligns with my personal and spiritual values.

Anonymous

Texas A&M University

Spring
2017

I pledge to continually look for ways to give of my time and money towards causes that break my heart. This refers to the causes that I am most drawn to, that I have a heart specifically for, but also those that are developing sustainable solutions to the world’s problems. I will give away at least 10% of my earnings each year, and volunteer at least 4 hours a month. I will reevaluate this goal in five years and adjust my goals accordingly.

Anonymous

Texas A&M University

Spring
2017

I first and foremost pledge to give my time, talents, and treasures towards the discipleship and mentoring of younger girls. Someone did that for me and the impact of that relationship has been invaluable in my life. I find purpose and helping younger women reach their fullest potential. That is where I would like to spend the majority of my time and hopefully do that as a career. I will joyfully give ten percent, maybe more, of my funds to my local church knowing that God already owns everything and is the Ultimate Giver. I pledge to use my funds to have an international impact; whether that be sponsoring a hungry child in another country, or supporting an international non-profit. I want to always remember that world is a lot bigger than the place where I live.

Anonymous

Texas A&M University

Spring
2017

As soon as I am financially able, I pledge to donate a percentage of my income monthly to non-profit organizations that align with my values and deal with issues that are close to my heart. In whatever community I end up in, I plan on dedicating my time and talents to certain organizations that empower the community. I hope to be able to find a non-profit in my community that speaks to me, and work with them closely so that one day I may sit on a board for a local non-profit.

Anonymous

Stanford University

Spring
2017

I pledge to dedicate my life to giving back to others, through work and/or other activities. I pledge to always ask myself what I can be doing to help others. Financially, I pledge to always donate 10% of my earnings, even throughout college. When I become financially stable, I pledge to increase this percentage.

Anonymous

Rice University

Spring
2017

My giving goal is to dedicate the time that I spend on extracurricular activities to doing service work after I graduate and to give at least 5% of my salary to causes I support once I start working.