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 info@thephilanthropylab.org

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

Pepperdine University

2025
Fall

1. Expand Access to Essential Healthcare 2. Strengthen Education 3. Advance Medical Innovation 4. Promote Community Sustainability 5. Promote Philanthropic Collaboration

Anonymous

University of Wisconsin-Madison

2025
Fall

My giving goal is to determine what my specific goals and values are for myself and the organizations I plan on giving to. I have always planned on giving around 10% of my paychecks to organizations but I had not thought about who and why I want to give to specific organizations. This is why my goal is to take the time to think about what change I want to make and research different organizations who align with my ideas. Then I will give 10% of my paycheck after I am done with school to these organization(s).

Anonymous

New York University

2025
Fall

My goal in giving is to support initiatives that create lasting, self-sustaining impact rather than short-term relief. I believe the most meaningful philanthropy helps people build independence and opportunity through education, entrepreneurship, and access to essential resources. I want my contributions to strengthen the systems that allow communities to thrive on their own terms, especially in areas where talent and ambition exist but access to capital and mentorship are limited. Above all, I see giving as a partnership — a shared effort to turn potential into progress and compassion into structure.

Anonymous

Pepperdine University

2025
Fall

What am I passionate about in changing the world: I am passionate about making education and mental health care more equal and easier for people to access. What I think can help improve or change the issues I care most about: Programs that give out scholarships, tutoring, low-cost counseling, and help from the community may be very helpful. What I am doing or will do through my giving to support involvement or change: I will contribute money to nonprofit organizations that help students and mental health, and I will offer my time by mentoring, volunteering, and spreading the word. Time period for my actions ahead: I plan to start now while in school, and continue throughout my life and career.

Anonymous

University of Notre Dame

2025
Fall

In the first 5 years post-grad (ages 22-27), I would like to give 2 hours/month volunteering at local non-profits. In the next 10 years (27-37), I would like to give 1% of my income and, after that (38+), I would like to give 2-3% of my income.

Anonymous

University of Wisconsin-Madison

2025
Fall

My giving goal is to give 15% of each paycheck. I will start doing this once I get my first real job after graduating college. Where I give the money will vary, but I want to give some for sure to animal sanctuaries.