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!

Paul Kuriakose

Texas A&M University

Spring
2025

As I progress in life, I want to get more and more involved in the philanthropic space. A goal I have for myself is to initially commit at least 5% of my yearly income to philanthropy, specifically focused on humanitarian relief and those with learning disabilities/ impairments. Long term, if I had the ability to take on a major role within a non-profit, I would love to, but for right now, my sights are set on that 5% number. Without taking this course, something like this would have never crossed my mind, but seeing the impact we are able to make and how much need exists out there really does motivate me to reflect on my ability to give.

Patrick Tabb

University of Texas - McCombs

Spring
2025

I plan to give to charitable organizations that are in my local area and support critical functions in my community. I plan to give as part of a family foundation as well as indivdual contributions.

Paola Giselle Duran

Stanford University

Spring
2025

My giving goal is to give back to my community, which is a border city. I want to work within the immigrant rights field, specifically through the law. I’d like to expand resources and work with community members to create easier transitions and meaningful change.

Paige Hurley

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Spring
2025

After graduation, my goal is to be able to get a full-time job and be able to start working up my savings. While saving money to ensure I can support future children, purchase a house, and prepare for retirement and my kid’s funding, I plan on sharing a donation of $100-$500 yearly. However, once I have built up my savings and am in a more stable place to share more money, I would like to donate 5-10% of my total income, or more if I become high-class or am able. I am not entirely sure what specific organization or place I want to give my money to just yet, but I know I want to be able to make a difference and see that difference in action. I want to change someone’s life and know that I contributed to that difference. I also know that I want to donate to an organization that does not get significant amounts of funding, however, I do want to ensure my money will go to help something.

Owen O’Connor

Texas Christian University

Spring
2025

I pledge to give 10% of my yearly post-tax income to non-profit organizations of personal significance, either those which have impacted me directly or whose causes align with my personal beliefs and values. Additionally, I will strive to give my time to these organizations because philanthropy is about much more than just the monetary donations. By volunteering and contributing to these organizations, I will become a more well-rounded citizen and give back in more ways than one. Finally, I will continue to spread the knowledge I have gained in this course and encourage everyone to become a philanthropist and positively impact their communities in personally meaningful ways.

Owen Henley

Vanderbilt University

Spring
2025

As of right now I am unsure of my giving goal. However, it means a lot to me to make the world a better place and to do good, so I certainly intend to give.