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!

Nico Dominguez Carrero

Harvard University

Spring
2025

I hope to give at least %5 of future income when older to organizations doing equity and development work abroad. If this reduces my tax bracket, then I will consider doing more. I also hope to help shape the organizations work by either being involved as an active donor or donating my time to their board activities. Similarly, I hope to give time to any professional charity organizations that I may be a part of through my job.

Nick Harpe

Harvard University

Spring
2025

The way I plan to give the most is through my time. I hope to work with non-profits after graduation, either as an employee or volunteer. It is hard to say how much monetary giving I will do since I do not know what my future financial situationship will be but it will remain an important part of my life

Nick Alfrey

Emory University

Spring
2025

I want to expand access for physical health resources across America. I believe one’s physical health and mental health are closely linked—so improved physical health benefits mental health as well. I’d like for gyms and any alternatives for recreation and wellness to be affordable and accessible for all.

Netanel Nemet

Columbia University

Spring
2025

Volunteer at non profit organaztion

Negar Rezvani

Columbia University

Spring
2025

My goal is to start a foundation that provides scholarships and resources for first-generation and refugee students seeking access to higher education. I believe this can be a life-changing opportunity for students from diverse and underserved backgrounds. I want to support them not just in getting into college, but in staying through to graduation. This foundation will also offer long-term mentorship, helping students find their purpose and navigate the right career path. By relieving the financial pressure many of us face, I hope to give students the freedom to focus on learning, growing, and building the future they deserve.

Navin Durbhakula

Harvard University

Spring
2025

I would like to donate 10% of my income to charity for the rest of my life.