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

Dear future Hannah, Once I finish paying off my student loand and find a stable job, I pledge to give 5% of my annual salary to a philanthropic organization that I see making a difference in the lives of others and for this earh, green empowerment (if their transparency still remains well). After my income reaches a certain amount, I pledge to give 10% or more of my income, until I am able to do, I will volunteer my time and talents to those who need and uphold a lifetime commitment of supporting nonprofit organization both locally and internatonally. YOU CAN WORK HARD AND DO GOOD FOR PEOPLE! 🙂 I BELIEVE IN YOU!! Hannah

Anonymous

University of Texas

Spring
2017

After completing my masters and paying off my loans, I pledge to donate 10% of my annual income to a charity that I can also donate my time to. I also pledge to volunteer at the chairty of my choice at least once a month, if I am able to. Also, for every country I vacation to, I peldge to donate at least $1,000 to a cause or charity in that specific country.

Anonymous

University of Texas

Spring
2017

5% if less than $100K? 10% if greater than $290K

Anonymous

University of Pennsylvania

Spring
2017

Through a career in nonprofits after graduation, I am proud to be able to contribute my talents and passions daily to a nonprofit mission I believe in. Additionally, I hope to contribute financially to organizations I support but may not have the opportunity to work at directly.

Anonymous

University of Pennsylvania

Spring
2017

The career path I’ve chosen won’t start to pay until I’m in my mid- to late- thirties. Nevertheless, I believe it is more important than ever to lend financial support to public interest causes. I pledge to donate 10% of my (admittedly very meager) annual income to charitable causes until I can afford more.

Anonymous

University of Pennsylvania

Spring
2017

My goal is to donate a proportional percentage of my family’s income ($50,000 5% $75,000 7.5% $100,000 10% $250,000 25% $500,000+ 50%) to my church and to organizations whose missions I believe in. I also plan to give of my time and expertise and be on the board of organizations whose missions are very aligned with my values, along with my family.