Giving back has always been a driving force in my life, and I think it is beautiful that we get the opportunity to set a giving goal to shape our values, regardless of eventual income. For what I want to do, it is unlikely that I will have a constant or standard paycheck, and during the struggle phase will have little means. However, what I want to do, if successfully executed, will give me a huge platform to impact change, so the tradeoff, I feel, is incredibly worth it. It would be unrealistic of me to define a percentage value of income – but based on my means at the beginning of each year, it is important to me that I take part in philanthropic action – whether that means community service/volunteering (giving in terms of time), mentoring/tutoring (giving in terms of skill) or donation (giving in terms of money), or all 3 in varying quantities. It is and will be immensely important to me to give back to all the communities that I am a part of, and I pledge to, at the beginning of each year, lay out a plan or framework to follow. In the case that I do end up making good money, I will work hard to create a foundation to support NGOs, Non-profits, initiatives, and create partnerships, and target issues in Public Health, Education, Development and other pertinent development issues. To me, philanthropy extends to basic kindness – I try to live by the conscious awareness of performing at least 3 random acts of kindness in a day, and will continue to do so throughout my life.
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
Search for Giving Goals
Over 4,200+ course participants have written giving goals in a demonstration of leadership!
Anonymous
- Fall
- 2016
Upon graduation in May 2017 I pledge to give $8,000 dollars over the course of the following year. After that I pledge to give 10% of my annual salary as well as giving generously beyond that as I am led.
Anonymous
- Fall
- 2016
To continually ask myself “Why not?” rather than “Why?” when presented with opportunities to give throughout my lifetime.
Anonymous
- Fall
- 2016
I will donate 10% of my annual salary to charitable organizations, and I will volunteer at least 3 days a month to service and volunteer work.
Anonymous
- Fall
- 2016
I will actively seek out opportunities to use my talents and resources to help others in causes that I am passionate about. Additionally, I will thoughtfully consider every opportunity for generosity that comes my way.
Anonymous
- Fall
- 2016
I pledge to have a conversation with my spouse each year to re-evaluate how we have been and will be generous with our resources. I pledge to give at the very minimum 10% of my income to my church, and to find non-profits I am passionate about and other ways outside of church to be generous with my time, money, and influence.