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 Texas

Spring
2016

I pledge to donate at least five hours of my time every month to work with nonprofit organizations within my community. Additionally, I pledge to donate a portion of my salary five years after graduation. I will also look to serve additional time if able, serving my community and working to be more involved in philanthropy.

Anonymous

University of Texas

Spring
2016

I pledge to donate as soon as my debt is paid off for college. If I am in deficit, then it is not my money to give. Once I am done paying loans I will give at least 10% of my income, assuming I am making at least $60,000 a year. I will choose an amount that seems fit if I am making less than that. I pledge to donate small amounts and as much time as possible until I meet the criteria above such as my current $5.00 donation to Miracle foundation a month. Although these gifts will be small, I want to have a habit of giving, so that I never forget how important it is to me.

Anonymous

University of Texas

Spring
2016

I pledge to constantly use my talents and time with the intent of bettering the world at large. I will donate some significant portion of my income to philanthropic causes and create technologies that could make an impact.

Anonymous

University of Texas

Spring
2016

I pledge that once I make over six figures per year I will donate at least 10% of my total income to philanthropic endeavors. I also pledge to spend at least 20 hours volunteering a year.

Anonymous

University of Texas

Spring
2016

Giving is a large part of my values and I plan to live my life in a way that I can brighten people’s lives everyday. I hope I can choose a career where I am able to make a positive change in people’s lives. More formally, I plan to give my time and money graciously as long as I am able to support myself and my future family comfortably.

Anonymous

University of Texas

Spring
2016

5 years from now, I pledge to start donating 3% of my savings each time I travel to another country.