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 Michigan - Undergraduate

Winter
2016

I pledge to volunteer my time, starting after graduation, to organizations whose missions I support. As soon as I am capable, I want to give 10-20% of my income to support charities/philanthropies.

Anonymous

University of Michigan - Undergraduate

Winter
2016

I pledge to give 10% of my salary to instrumental causes and 5% to expressive causes until my salary is more than 500K in which case I will 50% of my salary to all non-profit causes.

Anonymous

University of Michigan - Undergraduate

Winter
2016

I pledge to donate five hours of my time every month to work with underprivileged youth in my community. Additionally, I pledge to donate a portion of my salary five years after graduation. I will also look to serve on as an advisor to philanthropies in my community.

Anonymous

University of Michigan - Undergraduate

Winter
2016

I pledge to donate at least two hours of my time each week in a tutoring/mentoring program for at-risk youth and make a meaningful impact in their lives. I hope to find an organization in which I am passionate about, eventually taking on a leadership role. In addition, once I have a steady job, I plan to donate a minimum of 5% of my annual income to various charities.

Anonymous

University of Michigan - Undergraduate

Winter
2016

I pledge to donate at least 3% of my yearly income after I graduate and begin work at a full time job. These contributions will reflect my belief that organizations that work for systemic change and justice are just as important as non profits that provide for immediate needs. In addition, I pledge to become meaningfully involved in a community organization and devote at least 30 hours per year to volunteering.

Anonymous

University of Michigan - Undergraduate

Winter
2016

I pledge to be more intentional with my giving so as to make a stronger impact. I will give my time and energy to organizations I care about, as well as 0.5% of my take-home pay for my first year out of college – with that amount increasing steadily as I gain more financial standing.