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!

Tanya Keskar

Washington University In St. Louis

Spring
2025

I pledge to remain committed to giving and actively contributing to positive change in my communities. I aim to pursue a career focused on social impact, dedicating my time and resources to meaningful causes. Once I am financially stable, I also pledge to support organizations working on issues and in communities that matter to me through financial donations.

Tamar Leveson

University of Pennsylvania

Spring
2025

I will give back to the Bay Area Jewish community that raised me. I care about Jewish education, spirituality and religiosity, and ending the occupation in Palestine.

Talia Zirkin

Emory University

Spring
2025

For the remainder of college and the first few years of my career, I will volunteer my time to an organization that aligns with my values and is doing work that can tangibly help the community it is serving (currently, the Emory Autism Center, but my organization of choice will likely change post-grad). Additionally, I plan to join the corporate volunteer group at the firm where I work to maintain my engagement with volunteering and community service. Finally, I will open a high-yield savings account to hold onto money for future philanthropic giving. In the long term, I will donate 5% of my annual salary to 3-5 organizations that do work that aligns with my values. Currently, I predict that these causes will be focused on neurodiversity, education access, and the Baltimore community. Still, I anticipate that the specific causes I align with might evolve with time. Additionally, I hope to have the opportunity and time to serve on the board of one of the nonprofits I’ve donated to over the years to contribute my business and analytical expertise. Finally, I plan to continue hands-on volunteerism and advocacy work in addition to my monetary contributions.

Swapnil Dash

Texas A&M University

Spring
2025

After getting a full-time job as an attending physician, I hope to give some portion of my income each year to causes I care about, with a focus on healthcare and education. As someone going into medicine, I have seen how access to care can change lives, and I want to support nonprofits that bring that access to underserved communities and help people afford treatments that they otherwise would not be able to receive. I also care deeply about education and the long-term impact it has. Through the Texas A&M Foundation and Maroon Coats, I have seen how scholarships and support programs can open doors for students. I know my giving goals may evolve depending on where I live or what I experience but both healthcare and education have played a large role in my development and journey so I hope to remain close to those.

Susan Loomis

Texas A&M University

Spring
2025

I want to give at least 10% of my income to charity. I have a soft spot in my heart towards children and victims of domestic violence, so I will probably give my money to organizations that work with those types of people.

Su Latt Swe Zin

Columbia University

Spring
2025

My giving goal is to commit more time and money into giving. It is to make sure that my contributions are impactful and that they will change lives even if the contributions are small.