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

I pledge to dedicate a substantial part of my financial earnings to causes I support as soon as I am capable. Until that point, I will use my time, energy, and skills to provide whatever support I can to local organizations.

Anonymous

University of Virginia

Spring
2016

I plan to give of my time and money to support vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, the sick, the poor, etc. I plan to contribute 5% of my savings annually to nonprofits serving these populations, and I plan to be a reliable donor for these organizations. I also aspire to be on the board of an organization that I wholeheartedly believe is making a difference in our community.

Anonymous

University of Virginia

Spring
2016

I plan to give 10% of my annual savings once I am financially stable to non-profit organizations that are working in spheres that I care deeply about. In giving to these organizations, I pledge to research and choose wisely within my landscape in order to make the best measurable impact. Throughout my life I pledge to volunteer my time and energies to organizations that address the needs of my community.

Anonymous

University of Virginia

Spring
2016

I plan to donate to the Ehlers’ Danlos Foundation once I start making income, as I’ve already raised over a thousand dollars for them to this point. Before I graduate college, I’m going to run a marathon raising money for the foundation as well. Additionally, I plan to volunteer with those with disabilities in the community, whether through the local Down Syndrome Center as I did back home or through another organization.

Anonymous

University of Virginia

Spring
2016

I plan to donate time as well as money to causes that are important to me throughout my lifetime.

Anonymous

University of Virginia

Spring
2016

I plan to donate a sufficient amount of my earnings once I believe myself and my family have a steady income. With that, I will continue to donate my time and efforts to organizations with missions I feel are adequate and necessary in my community and beyond.