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

Harvard University - Undergraduate

Fall
2016

I pledge to give 10% of my income to charitable causes regardless of my position or income level, and to give an extra 5% above my usual giving once per quarter to various causes other than my church. I also pledge to give of my time in volunteering, at least 2 hours per week to charitable organizations or causes.

Anonymous

Baylor University

Fall
2016

I pledge to give 10% of my income starting with my first paycheck. My giving percentage will increase directly proportional to my salary. I will also use my time, energy, and skills to provide whatever support I can to local organizations.

Anonymous

Baylor University

Fall
2016

I pledge to get involved and volunteer at a nonprofit when I graduate no matter where I move after college.

Anonymous

Baylor University

Fall
2016

I pledge that after I pay off my student loans, I will give away at least ten percent of my income, and I pledge to give freely when I am asked and able. I also promise to raise my children to be cheerful givers, and hope to give them a lump sum to give away to a charity of their choice at Christmastime based on the model provided by the Philanthropy Lab.

Anonymous

Baylor University

Fall
2016

For the first five years after college, I pledge to give 5% of my income and 10 hours of my time every month. After being employed for five years I will increase my giving amount to 10%.

Anonymous

Abilene Christian University

Fall
2016

Currently, I plan on giving 10% of every paycheck I receive to the church. After graduation, I also plan on giving an additional 10% of my yearly income to other organizations. I plan on volunteering at a local organization at least one day a month, and that some of my monetary giving would go to this organization as well. I would also like to begin sponsoring a child through an organization like Compassion International or World Vision after graduation, and for that to be a practice I carry out throughout my life.