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
2016

I pledge to contribute of my time regularly (at least weekly) to the work of not-for-profit philanthropies in order to contribute regularly in a way that is long lasting and sustainable. If I am working for a non-profit I pledge to allocate resources in a way that builds up scalable, sustainable work. If I am not working for a non-profit, I pledge to commit at least 5% of my income when I find a non-profit that works in a way that I determine to be sustainable, scalable and helpful. I pledge to contribute 10% of my income to my local church, which is a 501c3 for as long as I am making income

Anonymous

Vanderbilt University

Spring
2019

After I secure permanent employment, I will donate 10% of my annual income to the charity of my choice.

Anonymous

Washington University In St. Louis

Spring
2026

When I graduate, I hope to volunteer at least once a month and after paying off my student loans, hope to give 3% of my salary every year.

Anonymous

Washington University In St. Louis

Spring
2026

I hope to give to an organization with a large community impact.

Anonymous

Washington University In St. Louis

Spring
2026

My goal is to give financially to causes that are meaningful to me and to match my giving to my station in life. I also want to give my time whenever possible to support organizations in my community.

Anonymous

Washington University In St. Louis

Spring
2026

Once I secure a stable form of income I am aiming to set away money for giving every month. I would like to garner a lump sum to donate at once, then start saving again. I think that it would depend on the specific organization, it could be beneficial to donate more regularly, but I want to give to domestic violence shelters/ resource organizations. I hope to give at least $20,000.