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!

Stella Rose Meier

Stanford University

Spring
2025

I want to give my time and talent to philanthropy post grad, with plans to give financially as well.

Stella Bleu Casella

Baylor University

Spring
2025

My giving goal is to donate 5–10% of my annual profit each year. I aim to give joyfully, with gratitude for the opportunity to support causes that align with my values. Each year, I will reassess the organizations I support to ensure they are using resources effectively and making a meaningful impact. I believe that intentional generosity can contribute to lasting change in communities in need. Through this commitment, I hope to cultivate a habit of mindful and impactful giving throughout my life.

Sophie Nelson

Baylor University

Spring
2025

My giving goal is to not only give at least 5% of my salary to charity, but to use my time and knowledge to serve on boards of local charity organizations in my town.

Sophie Barenberg

University of Texas

Spring
2025

Once I get a job, I hope to give 5-10% of my annual income to a philanthropy that I am passionate about each year. I do not want to pick a specific philanthropy to donate to because I might want to pick a new one each year based on what it going on in the world.

Sophia Callender

Emory University

Spring
2025

My goal for the next few years is to commit to an organization that works on a cause I support and build a community volunteering there. I plan to volunteer 12 hours a month (3 hours a week if my schedule allows). I am also hoping to go to new organizations. However, finding community while working toward progress can be highly rewarding for everyone involved, so I plan to start at just one wherever I move. I also plan to donate to various organizations based on need. I don’t have a specific amount in mind, but I would like to be able to make a sizeable contribution if my salary allows! This does not have to be all at once. I would like to end each year knowing that I did my part working to support those who need it most.

Skylar Peterson

Emory University

Spring
2025

In the next ten years, I aspire to be in a financial position where I can pledge at least 5% of my income to philanthropic endeavors and donations. Beyond financial contributions, I also aim to volunteer at least 15 hours a year with organizations in my local community. It is my hope to begin this commitment well before reaching the ten-year mark after I get a job and settle down, wherever that may be. I will most likely donate to a variety of different charities that I find meaningful but I would also be open to recurring donations to organizations that align with my long-term goals.