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 Virginia

Spring
2016

Once I am economically stable, I plan on donating to Build Your Future Today, an NGO which I was lucky enough to work at in Cambodia. Having spent time there, I know the money is being spent extremely sincerely and the work done is vital to vulnerable rural communities in the region. I would hope to give as much as my paycheck allowed me to be able to.

Anonymous

University of Virginia

Spring
2016

Once I am able to, I plan to financially support causes that I care about yearly. In addition, I plan on volunteering my time and efforts to a variety of my favorite charities. These include but are not limited to the MS Society, Camp Kesem, and St. Jude.

Anonymous

University of Virginia

Spring
2016

My goal is to serve on a board of an organization that works with homelessness. I also plan on volunteering time with organizations such as The Haven in the near future.

Anonymous

University of Virginia

Spring
2016

I would love to be able to give annually to causes that I am passionate for including education, mental health, and Parkinson’s disease. One day, I hope to hold a leadership position within an organization that addresses one of these needs. In the mean time, I will continue to volunteer my time, give of my energy, and educate myself on the landscape.

Anonymous

University of Virginia

Spring
2016

I pledge to find an organization that works for a cause that addresses the education/wellness of underpriveledged children and volunteer my time as much as possible. I also plan to set aside at least 10% of my income to donate to a charity I feel passionate about.

Anonymous

University of Virginia

Spring
2016

I pledge to donate 10% of my annual income once I pay off my student loans and am financially stable. In the meantime, I will continue donating my time and energy into volunteering with organizations in my community. I also plan to pursue a career in public service.