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

Stanford University

Spring
2017

I pledge to give my entire career to public service, preferably through advocating for and creating policy change. Upon graduation from Stanford, I want to earn a graduate degree that will equip me to help people at a higher level through law. I would then like to donate all of my earnings, though leaving enough to sustain myself and my family- preferably with two adopted children. Finally, I want to donate 95% of my money to sustainable organizations in my will.

Anonymous

Stanford University

Spring
2017

I pledge to give at least 10% of my income over my lifetime to charitable causes. I pledge to, in the short term, dedicate at least a few hours of my time every week to volunteering for nonprofit organizations. In the long term, I hope to orient my career around work that promotes a socially just and sustainable future.

Anonymous

Stanford University

Spring
2017

I pledge to donate my skills and future expertise to causes of social benefit throughout my career. Whether I work in the non-profit sector, the government, or a multi-national organization, I pledge to adhere my career to social change.

Anonymous

Stanford University

Spring
2017

I pledge to dedicate my professional career to creating positive social change. In addition, if I choose to donate a percentage of my income to causes and organizations that align with my core values, I will further invest my time and efforts toward building relationships with these organizations and fully involving myself in their work.

Anonymous

Stanford University

Spring
2017

I pledge to dedicate my career to public service and social and environmental change. I also plan to live frugally, not wasting resources and living efficiently and minimizing the waste and impact I create. For the first few years of my career, while I build up my savings and transition into adult life, I plan to donate at least 5% of my income to charitable nonprofits every year. Once I feel that I have stabilized my finances, I plan to donate at least 10% of my income to charitable nonprofits.

Anonymous

Stanford University

Spring
2017

I pledge to dedicate my career to advancing human rights, whether international or domestic I am not yet sure. I hope to use my writing and storytelling abilities to galvanize social change and spread awareness.