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

By the age of 35, I plan to give away between 1-2% of my annual earnings. As I get older, I would like to give away increasingly larger percentages of my annual earnings. I hope to teach my children to do the same and prioritize philanthropic activism in their daily lives.

Anonymous

University of Virginia

Spring
2016

By the age of 25, I plan to give away 5% of my annual earnings. In addition, I pledge to donate my time to organizations I feel are adequately serving the community, empowering the youth, and alleviating food insecurity.

Anonymous

University of Virginia

Spring
2016

5% monthly income in 5 years

Anonymous

University of Texas

Spring
2016

While in college and in dental school, I plan to give back mostly through my time. I plan to volunteer regularly, specifically volunteering for organizations that directly engage those in need. After graduating from dental school, I pledge to give at least 5% of my income every year. Every year, I plan to re-evaluate my financial situation, and calculate how much I am able to give. The percentage that I give should increase yearly depending on my salary, but I will always give at least 5% of my income.

Anonymous

University of Texas

Spring
2016

Once I have graduated college, I will donate time through free professional services and money annually.

Anonymous

University of Texas

Spring
2016

It’s never too early to serve or start giving. I hope that by 5 years into working and making a high enough discretionary income (above $80,000 maybe?), you’ll be donating 5-10% of your income to charity and never stop being a Lion and continuously serve. “Where there is a need, there is a Lion.” And if you’re not a Lion, GO FIND ONE!