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 that when I am out of college and at a stable point in my life I will find a 501C3 to donate 5%-10% of what I make a month, each month. I think I would like to contribute to a children’s charity. I pledge to also donate my time to volunteering at an organization at least twice a month.

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 is based around children. If I cannot give financial support, I will volunteer my time every month.

Anonymous

University of Texas

Spring
2017

I pledge after I get my first steady job after college to start donating at least 50 hours of my time a year to volunteering to help disadvantaged children and their educational pursuits. Also, once I have reached a goal of making at least six figures, I would also like to donate 5% of my income to some cause.

Anonymous

University of Texas

Spring
2017

I pledge 10% of my income after I start earning my own income.

Anonymous

University of Texas

Spring
2017

Donating money should be an important part of my life once I am financially able. Remember where you came from and how fortunate you are. My zakat will work but I should also donate time to help people as well. The money I donate should be proportional to my slary if it expands, then so should me amount donating. Remmeber what you learned from this class, the practical importance of giving. A comfortable 7-8% of salary but not bound by those numbers depending on the situation. Remember to work hard, don’t give up, take risks and stay strong. UT.

Anonymous

University of Texas

Spring
2017

Dear Future Me, I pledge to donate at least 10% of my yearly income after I graduate college. Additionally I pledge to volunteer my time at various local and international charities.