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 Pennsylvania

Spring
2017

I seek to stay engaged and to volunteer my time if I do not have the money. Ideally, I would donate the equivalent of 30% of my annual income unless I come into a position which pays me a high salary and then I should like do give more.

Anonymous

University of Pennsylvania

Spring
2017

I promise to give my time, money, resources, and energy to empower other children of refugees and guide them to become first-generation college students like myself.

Anonymous

University of Pennsylvania

Spring
2017

I pledge to volunteer and invest my time, money, and resources throughout my lifetime to nonprofits I believe are changing and impacting people and communities worldwide.

Anonymous

University of Pennsylvania

Spring
2017

I pledge to volunteer and invest my time in organizations and movements of people that are focused on sustainable and healthy social transformation. Additionally I pledge to give a portion of my income to similar philanthropic endeavors as soon as I have a healthy financial foundation.

Anonymous

University of Pennsylvania

Spring
2017

I pledge to spend my career working to further the efforts of nonprofit organizations that I believe are truly beneficial to the communities they serve, as well as make a concerted effort to donate to various deserving organizations across the city of Philadelphia and the nation.

Anonymous

University of Pennsylvania

Spring
2017

I pledge to make monthly contributions, no matter how big or small to get in the habit of mindful regular giving. I want to choose a different giving category each month and spend some time researching and discussing my decision with others in the hopes to discover new organizations and inspire others to give.