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

Tulane University

Fall
2016

I pledge to give my time and effort and then once I have a stable job, I would like to also donate to the non-profit of my choice.

Anonymous

Tulane University

Fall
2016

I pledge to give a sizable monetary donation each year to a charity of my choice upon reaching a comfortable position within my career. I expect this come around the age of 40 years old. In addition, I pledge to contribute at least 4 hours a month to volunteer community service in an effort to improve my community.

Anonymous

Tulane University

Fall
2016

I pledge to donate my time out of college to organizations that need my assistance, specifically by working for programs that work with students. I pledge to always donate my time to helping those struggling with mental health issues. Furthermore, when I have a substantial salary, I will donate to my favorite charities every month, as my dad has done for years.

Anonymous

Tulane University

Fall
2016

I pledge to donate at least 5% of my annual income and I will also commit to serving as a volunteer in order to do hands on work to make a difference.

Anonymous

Tulane University

Fall
2016

I pledge to donate annually to a charity that means a lot to me and in addition, I pledge to donate my time and try to become more involved in philanthropic work.

Anonymous

Tulane University

Fall
2016

I pledge to continue to pursue my values of giving throughout my lifetime. When I am not financially able to donate money, I pledge to donate my time when possible. Whether this means volunteering or even donating my belongings to those in need. I pledge to pass on my understanding and knowledge of the philanthropic process to my peers and younger generations. I believe that solving the world’s issues cannot be done alone, but I pledge to do my part.