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!

Victoria Varano

Vanderbilt University

Spring
2025

I am committed to giving back to others, starting with community service. I plan to dedicate my time to volunteering and supporting causes that are meaningful to me, especially in my local community. As I progress in my career and become more financially stable, I aim to shift towards giving financially. By the time I reach 30, I hope to be in a position where I can contribute a percentage of my income to causes that align with my values, continuing to give back in a more substantial way. My focus will always be on making a positive impact, both through my time and, eventually, my financial resources.

Victoria Levy

Harvard University

Spring
2025

I’m not entirely sure how much to give, but I’d like to contribute some of my income in the future.

Vicky Aguilar

Emory University

Spring
2025

I pledge to gift 3% of my salary within the next 4 years, 5% within the next 8 years, and 10% in 20 years. I will focus my donations on organizations that are working to combat educational, environmental, and mental health inequities. I also promise to devote at least 50-100 hours of volunteering per year.

Valerie Nicole Garza

University of Texas

Spring
2025

I aim to work in the nonprofit industry and give to underserved populations for at least 3 years after college. Additionally, I aim to give at least 1% of my annual income to nonprofits.

Tyler Trevino

University of Texas

Spring
2025

I would like to commit to donating to four charities annually. The amount is dependent on my salary/financial situation. I am passionate about international humanitarian efforts, especially aid for communities that have been affected by the horrors of war. I am also a dedicated vegan interested in animal welfare, as well as a queer individual interested in fighting against LGBTQ oppression in Texas.

Tyler Nilson

Harvard University

Spring
2025

I pledge to donate 10% of my income yearly to charitable purposes.