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

Vanderbilt University

Spring
2017

I plan on committing my career to educating children and improving the education system by reducing inequity. I pledge to give at least 5% of my annual salary to nonprofit organizations that align with my values and areas of interest.

Anonymous

Vanderbilt University

Spring
2017

I hope to eventually amass the talents and skills needed to support the nonprofit sector. Even if I end up not working in the nonprofit field, I will donate at least 5% of my income to nonprofit organizations that I have researched and care about. I also pledge to make personal giving goals every year and review whether or not I am meeting them.

Anonymous

Vanderbilt University

Spring
2017

I hope to be able to donate a mixture of my time and money to impactful nonprofit organizations or specific charitable programs. Ideally, I would like to donate 18% of my income with volunteering “being priced” at $14/hour. If I were to make enough money that I can ensure my financial security as well as my family’s, whatever that may be, I would like to use the additional funds to start my own foundation that can be used to help my community.

Anonymous

Vanderbilt University

Spring
2017

I am interested in pursuing a career of public service, whether it be through the non-profit sector, public policy, or education. In doing so, I hope to remain committed to a mission of enabling others. As long as I can maintain financial independence, I pledge to give at least 10% of my income. I will increase my giving to 15-20% after securing money for my children to pursue higher education.

Anonymous

University of Virginia

Spring
2017

When I strike it rich I plan to give back by both volunteering and donating money to athletics, something I am passionate about.

Anonymous

University of Virginia

Spring
2017

When I have enough work experience to allow me to serve on the board of a non-profit, I will donate my time to that organization.