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

Texas Christian University

Spring
2017

Beginning with my first paycheck upon graduation, I will habitually give at least five percent of my monthly income, with the option of increasing (but never decreasing) the percentage as desired as my financial situations change and grow. I pledge to apply the lessons learned in TCU’s Nature of Giving course, especially due diligence and responsible giving. I commit to giving my assets, including (but not limited to) time, talents, and finances to causes about which I am passionate. I will review my giving practices annually to measure the effectiveness of my gift(s) and hold myself accountable. I furthermore pledge to include my family in all aspects my giving processes so that their participation will inspire them to be generous and responsible donors in their adult lives.

Anonymous

Stanford University

Spring
2017

Once I am debt-free, I would like to once a month give away 50% of my acquired interest on my savings account to a philanthropic cause. If I determine I am financially stable enough, I would like that amount to reach up to 90% of acquired interest on savings, up until I retire. Once I retire I will reevaluate my giving goal based on my financial situation, my health, and goals in life. I would like to write in my will to donate 75% of my assets to a cause I have thoroughly researched and feel is impactful, sustainable, and good.

Anonymous

Stanford University

Spring
2017

My goal, in addition to devoting my life to social justice and social impact, is to donate at least 5% of my earnings, and ideally more, to causes I find meaningful.

Anonymous

Stanford University

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

Stanford University

Spring
2017

I pledge to uplift marginalized communities by challenging oppressive structures in my career and everyday life. In addition, I hope to empower and mentor low-income/first-generation youth in the United States. Ideally, I would also want to donate to education nonprofits annually or help them fundraise.

Anonymous

Stanford University

Spring
2017

I pledge to spend my career advocating for and moving towards social justice and equity. I pledge to use any privileges I inherit or earn towards the equitable redistribution of wealth and access.