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 California, Los Angeles

Spring
2017

Once I obtain an established job, I pledge to give a certain percentage of my income yearly to various non-profits in my local community, ranging from three to ten percent.

Anonymous

University of California, Los Angeles

Spring
2017

No matter where I am in life, I pledge to dedicate my career to service and humanitarian efforts. I will give what I can, and take what I need for as long as I am financially blessed; and during the times I am not, I will donate my time and physical efforts instead. I hope to gradually give away my wealth to causes I believe support societal growth, ethical awareness, and global compassion."

Anonymous

University of California, Los Angeles

Spring
2017

I pledge to volunteer my time and energy to nonprofit ventures and charitable organizations throughout my years, regardless of my age, salary, or occupation. When I have established my career, I hope to support nonprofit projects through in-kind donations of my occupational expertise and skills. I pledge to stay updated with current events and policy initiatives as they pertain to social justice/advocacy issues that I am particularly passionate about. When financially feasible, I pledge to donate a significant portion of my income to charity organizations.

Anonymous

University of California, Los Angeles

Spring
2017

I pledge to volunteer my time and energy at least twice a month at a nonprofit close to my heart and work to better the communities around me. I will donate at least 10% of my income once I am fully employed and have a stable source of income.

Anonymous

University of California, Los Angeles

Spring
2017

I pledge to make philanthropic giving a part of my life once I have a stable income. I pledge to give not only monetary support to nonprofit organizations whose works aligns with my passions but also give my time to help those around me. I pledge to volunteer with a nonprofit organization at least 4 times a year.

Anonymous

University of California, Los Angeles

Spring
2017

I pledge to make my life’s work the service of under-resourced and under-represented communities. When I have an income that allows me and any dependents to live securely, I will give at least 10% of my annual income to philanthropic causes.