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

Rice University

Spring
2017

I plan to donate at least 10% of my income to worthy causes and give time in both my professional and personal life.

Anonymous

Rice University

Spring
2017

I plan to donate 10% of my income to a charity supporting education and/or healthcare to underserved children around the world. I also plan to volunteer once a week at an organization that addresses these issues for children in disadvantaged areas.

Anonymous

Harvard University - Graduate

Spring
2017

Once I am financially stable, I pledge to donate a significant amount of my annual salary to philanthropic organizations, specifically those helping to improve our higher education system.

Anonymous

Harvard University - Graduate

Spring
2017

I will earmark at least 12.5% of my net lifetime income for charity, with giving to start after loans paid off and/or when opportunities with very high expected returns are identified.

Anonymous

Harvard University - Graduate

Spring
2017

I have been for many years working pro bono in NGO sector donating time and money and raising money for many good causes. Moving forward I wish to be active in advancing social Impact through social enterprise .

Anonymous

Harvard University - Graduate

Spring
2017

After graduation, I plan to make monthly donations of $20 to the same organizations very month. I will increase that monthly amount according to income.