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 California, Los Angeles

Spring
2016

I pledge to give my time and money to help and serve my community and those that are in need. I plan to volunteer at least 5 hours a month and to donate 10% on my monthly income starting from this year. Once I graduate and make more money I hope to increase those hours and the percentage that I donate to 10 hours a month and 20% of my monthly income.

Anonymous

University of California, Los Angeles

Spring
2016

I pledge to be actively involved with an organization my junior and senior year of college by volunteering. I may serve as a mentor in Big Brothers Big Sisters or in a similar organization. I pledge to give away a significant amount of my money to causes I care about. I may establish a scholarship at my old high school once I am able. I pledge to remain highly involved in philanthropic endeavors as an activist and a giver of my time and fortune for as long as I live. I pledge to give to causes in the United States as well as abroad.

Anonymous

University of California, Los Angeles

Spring
2016

I pledge to be a giver throughout my lifetime. I pledge to give both my money and my time to others, today and every day. I pledge to give at least 10% of my income annually. As my wealth increases, I intent to increase the percentage in which I give.

Anonymous

University of California, Los Angeles

Spring
2016

I pledge to be a giver of both my time and money for the rest of my life.I pledge to give at least 10% of my income annually. As my wealth increases, I intent to increase the percentage in which I give.

Anonymous

University of California, Los Angeles

Spring
2016

I pledge that once my student debt is clear and I have earned enough wealth to comfortably live and provide for my parents and future family’s basic needs, I intend to give away a meaningful amount of my assets every year. After I earn enough wealth to ensure my children can access any institution of quality higher education, I pledge to spend a minimum of 100 hours each year that I am alive to give back to marginalized, underprivileged communities until my physical capabilities permit me to do so.

Anonymous

University of California, Los Angeles

Spring
2016

I pledge that once I have a stable career, I will give at least 5% of my income. I will also give my time, because that is equally important. I am fortunate enough to have the resources and the opportunities that I have received, which is why it’ll be an honor to provide the same for others who need it. The Philanthropy Lab has really taught me the importance of giving and why we all should give, if we can. As my income increases throughout the years, so will my giving.