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!

Saige Gulati

Washington University In St. Louis

Spring
2025

My giving goal is to find a manageable amount that I am able to donate every year once I am making money. I plan to go to medical school, so that will not be for awhile. In the interim, I plan on volunteering and giving back through time as I may not have the financial means for awhile.

Saherah Khan

University of Pennsylvania

Spring
2025

My giving goal is to continue donating my time on an annual basis to a nonprofit organization that I am passionate about. Once I am financially able, I will also commit to donating a portion of my salary to mission areas that I am passionate about to help my local community.

Sadie Forman

Washington University In St. Louis

Spring
2025

I hope to strengthen my relationship with whichever organization we end up donating to during my time at WashU. I also hope to donate 10% of my income in my first 10 years post grad and 20% thereafter. Additionally, I will donate my time, volunteering at organizations I am passionate about/

Saanvi Sood

Emory University

Spring
2025

I hope to spend at least 10 hours every month giving back to charitable causes (being on a board, volunteering, pro-bono work, etc)

Saadi El-Saadi

Harvard University

Spring
2025

When I think about my giving goal, I think about giving first-hand to communities I can resonate with. In my opinion, giving is not just determined solely by monetary donations. For this reason, my goal is to contribute my time, skills, and resources directly to communities that I understand and connect with. It involves active engagement, mentorship, and advocacy. Whether through these ways, I aim to make a direct and lasting impact where I believe it is needed the most.

Ryann Berry

Texas A&M University

Spring
2025

I want to prioritize giving both my time and my financial resources throughout my life. I plan to volunteer regularly with organizations that support children, individuals with disabilities, education, food security, disaster relief, and Christian outreach. Financially, I plan to commit 3-5% of my annual salary to nonprofits connected to these missions, while focusing most of my giving on hands-on service and building relationships within my community.