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 Virginia

Spring
2017

When I am debt-free and making enough money to lead a comfortable life, I will donate a significant amount of my money and/or time to helping the less fortunate.

Anonymous

University of Virginia

Spring
2017

Once I am financially stable, I pledge to donate a significant amount of my annual salary to philanthropic organizations, specifically those aiding children in foster care or providing educational resources to students in need. Additionally, I pledge to spend a minimum of 10 hours per year volunteering in my community.

Anonymous

University of Virginia

Spring
2017

In my free time, I will donate my time to working on issues I am passionate about such as criminal justice reform. Shortly after I am settled into my first job, I will start by making small annual donations to causes I care about and likely increase those donations as my income increases.

Anonymous

University of Virginia

Spring
2017

I pledge to commit a portion of my future salary to non-profit organizations and to increase the amount throughout the course of my lifetime. I intend to focus on non-profits that support education and health care in the United States and internationally.

Anonymous

University of Virginia

Spring
2017

I pledge to a dual career in medicine and health policy, using the lessons I learn in my practice to engage in public service and push for better policy on behalf of all. Further, once I have paid off student loans, I hope to put a portion of my income each year towards causes and organizations I am passionate about.

Anonymous

University of Virginia

Spring
2017

I plan to serve nonprofits throughout my life with my time, financial resources and expertise.