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!

Riley Harris

University of Texas

Spring
2025

I hope I am lucky enough to give away at least $5,000 annually to various nonprofits that vary in topics relating to the status of society. My goal is to provide stability for things I feel passionate about to help solve problems that may be arising.

Reya Resendiz

Texas Christian University

Spring
2025

I pledge to give 10% of my income on a monthly basis, beginning after my first paycheck and creating a separate bank account for those funds. I will give to my local church that I attend as well as nonprofit organizations that I am passionate about. Additionally, I want to volunteer 5 hours a month. I plan to do this by volunteering to work in the nursery/kids ministry at my church.

Raquel Ramirez

Columbia University

Spring
2025

My giving goal is to volunteer my time, at least 5 hours a month to start. Once I graduate and enter the workforce, I hope to donate 10% of what I make.

Rachel-Kate Picar

Vanderbilt University

Spring
2025

I will give a percentage of my salary

Rachel Goodwin

Baylor University

Spring
2025

I intend to give financially, as well as with my abilities and time. I plan to work in non-profits and volunteer and I also plan to give financially to my church and local non-profits as well.

Raadhay Patel

Harvard University

Spring
2025

My giving goal is to contribute both with my time and financially. I will continue volunteering and helping my local community. Financially, I will donate to nonprofit organizations that address issues related to education, food insecurity, housing insecurity, prison-reform, etc. In 5 years, I want to be at a point where I can donate every year and in 10 years I hope to start my own nonprofit organization that makes a larger impact.