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!

Nathanael Tjandra

Harvard University

Spring
2025

I would like to give at least 10% of my income to charity and possibly more, depending on my level of income. I would also like to volunteer my time and expertise especially if I have retired. I would like to be careful in giving, doing research and making sure that my giving promotes causes I care about to the best extent of my knowledge.

NATALIE COLLINGE

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Spring
2025

One of my personal goals is to consistently give around 10% of my income to causes that align with my values. I’m especially passionate about supporting initiatives that promote women’s health and advance disability inclusion, as I believe in creating a world where everyone has access to the resources and support they need to thrive.

NASHALIE ALVELO ROLON

Universidad del Sagrado Corazon

Spring
2025

I would like to donate my time helping entities. Some of them are entities focus on cleaning beaches, mountains, etc like scuba dogs. Because it’s so important to me keep our land clean for everyone. Plus I would like to volunteer job with animals. Some example: foster, clean hostel. Last but not list, donate money for food to people or animals.

Nanci Espinoza

University of Texas - McCombs

Spring
2025

I have a giving goal of $2500 for 5 years.

Myah STROHFELDT

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Spring
2025

My goal is to help Wisconsin-based purpose-driven organizations carry out their impact on a larger scale. I would like to do this by donating 10% of my income to organizations that serve under resourced populations across the state. I specifically hope to make impacts on youth and educational programs to support future generations of philanthropists.

Monica Tavassoli

Stanford University

Spring
2025

In the years ahead, I want to give in ways that not only reflect gratitude for the support I’ve received but also extend opportunity and dignity to others. My goal is to dedicate my time, energy, and resources toward addressing systemic barriers that prevent people from accessing stable, affordable, and sustainable housing.