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

Winter
2016

When my salary earnings exceed $60,000, I will donate 10% of my annual income to support non-profit organizations.

Anonymous

University of California, Los Angeles

Winter
2016

When my earnings exceed $60,000, I plan to give away 10% of my annual income as well as continuing to commit my time to local organizations for the remainder of my lifetime.

Anonymous

University of California, Los Angeles

Winter
2016

When I make at least $60,000 annually, I plan to give away 10% of my earnings to non-profit organizations that I am passionate about.

Anonymous

University of California, Los Angeles

Winter
2016

When I become financially independent, I pledge to give at least 10% of my income away to charities. That being said, I hope to become financially stable enough to have the opportunity to donate more than 10% of my annual income. I also pledge to donate at least 4 hours of time a month to various organizations and charities as well.

Anonymous

University of California, Los Angeles

Winter
2016

Throughout the course of my life, I pledge to contribute both my time and skills to community service engagements. When I have an income that guarantees my family’s needs are secured, I will also donate monetarily to the organizations I am passionate about.

Anonymous

University of California, Los Angeles

Winter
2016

Once my salary has exceeded $150,000, I will give at least 10% of that away annually. Additionally, once I have amassed enough wealth to ensure my children have access to all the education they desire, I will begin to contribute much more of my fortune to philanthropic organizations.