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 always have philanthropic efforts in consideration of all my future career choices. I am unable to determine my salary, what my salary would be used for, or if giving money is the best method of philanthropy. However, I pledge to volunteer consistently my time and efforts to the greater good.

Anonymous

Tulane University

Fall
2016

I pledge to always be involved in some type of philanthropic actions, whether it be donating my time or money. I want to give a substantial portion of my income to organizations once I have a career, and also make sure that the organizations I give to are effective and altruistic with the funds they receive. For now, I will continue to donate as best I can and also donate my time by volunteering.

Anonymous

Tulane University

Fall
2016

I pledge that I will always stay involved in volunteering throughout my life no matter where I am. Additionally, after I graduate college I pledge to give 10% of my income annually to a cause that I am passionate about.

Anonymous

Tulane University

Fall
2016

I hope to always make philanthropic endeavors a priority throughout my lifetime, in donating both my time and money to organizations that support causes I care about. I pledge to volunteer, primarily in helping to improve education for kids in poverty. When I have graduated college, I’d like to pledge 5-10% of my income annually to worthy causes.

Anonymous

Tulane University

Fall
2016

After paying off student loans and earning a stable income I pledge to give three percent of my annual income to charitable organizations that support poverty relief efforts. Until then I pledge to donate my time as a volunteer.

Anonymous

Tulane University

Fall
2016

After I pay off my student loans, I will give 5% of the income I earn to organizations I believe in, including my religious community and organizations rooted in the local place I live.