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
2015

I pledge to contribute my time and volunteer skills to philanthropic causes throughout my life. When I have a sustainable income, with my personal and family’s needs secured, I will also contribute monetarily to these organizations.

Anonymous

University of Virginia

Spring
2015

I pledge to contribute my time and skills towards philanthropic activity through volunteer work by giving at least an hour of service per week, increasing this amount post-graduation. I also pledge to contribute a significant portion of my income to philanthropic organizations once I have reached a level of security to reasonably support myself and family.

Anonymous

University of Virginia

Spring
2015

I pledge to always remember that I have a personal responsibility to aid and uplift my fellow men by employing the resources, whether they take the form of time or money, that I am lucky enough to have.

Anonymous

University of California, Los Angeles

Spring
2015

When I am 26 years of age I will give at least 15% of my income to local non-profit organizations.

Anonymous

University of California, Los Angeles

Spring
2015

I’ll give 50% of money if I earn more than $100000. I’ll give 10%~25% of my money by 35 years old even though I earn less than $100000.

Anonymous

University of California, Los Angeles

Spring
2015

If I am able to make $60,000, I pledge to start by giving 5% of my income.