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 pledge to learn more about the field of philanthropy and to stay involved throughout my life. I am pledging to put forth my time and effort to causes that I believe are important.

Anonymous

University of Pennsylvania

Spring
2017

I pledge to give at least 5% of my income to charitable causes, building up to at least 10% by the time my student loans are paid in full. I would also like to serve on a board of a charitable organization.

Anonymous

University of Pennsylvania

Spring
2017

I pledge to give 5% of my salary if I make below $300,000 a year to non-profit organizations. If I make more than $300,000, I pledge to donate 7.5-10% of my annual income to non-profit causes.

Anonymous

University of Pennsylvania

Spring
2017

I pledge to donate a specific percentage of my salary dependent upon how much I am making and where I am in my life. I want to give at least $1,000 per year after I have secured a stable job. I also pledge to do my homework and make sure that my money is going to an organization that will make the biggest impact in the areas in which I am interested in supporting.

Anonymous

University of Pennsylvania

Spring
2017

I pledge to dedicate my time to furthering the reach and effectiveness of nonprofit organizations and to give to the organizations throughout my adult life.

Anonymous

University of Pennsylvania

Spring
2017

I pledge to commit my time to learning about and contributing to non-profit organizations that align with supporting the overall welfare of people (taking into account intersecting identities) and of the environment. My focus will be more so on organizations that work to solve the root causes of problems while addressing the symptoms as opposed to only addressing the symptoms.