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!

Owen Bales

Harvard University

Spring
2025

I hope to, while employed or not retired, to give away at least 10% of my disposable income if I am not involved in a non-profit. If I am involved in a non-profit, while still not being retired, I hope to give away 5% of my disposable income to other charities/organizations and 5% directly correlated to my involvement. Once retired, I hope to utilize at least 30% of my amassed wealth (more or less dependent upon my financial situation and burdens) for philanthropy.

Oscar Macias

University of Texas - McCombs

Spring
2025

I hope to deepen my community involvement by serving on the board of a Southern California organization dedicated to educational equity and immigrant empowerment. My goal is to support and scale initiatives that uplift the region I call home, with a focus on creating lasting impact for future generations.

ONG AUDRY

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Spring
2025

I pledge to donate 5% of my income to charity, most likely international humanitarian efforts such as International Samaritan, to help them save people living in garbage dumps across the world. Further, I pledge to donate at least two days a month to charitable efforts at charities that feel impactful to me where I live.

olivia turner

Baylor University

Spring
2025

My giving goal for… The next few years of my life once I graduate is to: – Establish a close relationship with a local philanthropy of any kind (participating in at least one event/fundraiser/service project per month related to the organization) In ten years is to… – Continue in this relationship with the organization while beginning to contribute financially, at least once a month, whatever amount of money I can spare. In 20 years is to… – Hold a leadership position within that organization while continuing to contribute both my time and finances (in greater amounts) to helping the organization thrive.

Olivia Howden

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Spring
2025

My giving goal is to support youth development and/or art-based organizations throughout my life. Based on my future financial capacity, I would like to allocate 3-5% of my income to these support organizations. Additionally, I plan to dedicate at least four days a month to volunteering my time and talents to organizations within my local community.

Oliver Hutchison

Emory University

Spring
2025

For my proposed DRAFT giving goal, I aim to donate to at least five organizations each year that support causes I find both pressing and personally meaningful. Additionally, I plan to volunteer at a charitable organization that resonates with me at least twice a year. While this may not seem like a major commitment, it represents a meaningful step forward from what I’ve done in the past. My hope is to be more intentional in my philanthropic efforts, setting realistic and achievable goals that encourage consistent engagement. Over time, I aspire to expand these commitments, gradually increasing both my contributions and involvement to make a greater impact.