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

Baylor University

Fall
2015

I pledge to donate an appropriate percentage of my earnings (at least 10%) once I have a steady income. More importantly, I will continue to donate my time to organizations I feel are serving and creating an environment of empowerment for individuals both in my community and outside of my direct community.

Anonymous

Baylor University

Fall
2015

I pledge 10% of my income for the rest of my life.

Anonymous

Baylor University

Fall
2015

I hope to be giving easily 10% of my income, and actively and prayerfully seeking ways to give above this level.

Anonymous

Baylor University

Fall
2015

I choose today to say yes to generosity. I will freely and joyously give my income to those around me, regardless of personal income level. I fully believe that God has the ability to meet my every need and choose to actively give of both my time and financial resources as I work to advance the kingdom of God wherever I go. When faced with the decision to give or not to give, I will be the man that says “yes” every time. Generosity is not a feeling, but an active and repeated decision and from this day forward, I choose to be content with what I have and to freely give that which I possess.

Anonymous

Baylor University

Fall
2015

During this semester, I have been challenged to think more deeply about generosity and how I view it in light of my own life. I believe giving, whether monetary or service, is a way of expressing gratitude. It’s a way of recognizing the blessings I have and wanting to share them with those around me. Within at least 10 years out of medical school, I pledge to give a portion of my earnings to philanthropic causes (the exact amount is yet to be determined). These include but are not limited to local organizations that strive to serve and better people’s lives as well as missionaries. I also pledge to give my time to serve on mission trips and volunteer clinics in any way that I can. It is my ultimate desire to share the skills I have with others.

Anonymous

Baylor University

Fall
2015

By the time I begin my career, I plan on giving away at least 8% of my income.