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!

Marie Miller

Columbia University

Spring
2025

Throughout this semester in Philanthropy and Just Societies, my understanding of giving has grown from simply wanting to support good causes into a much deeper commitment to investing in lasting, transformative change. Learning about the work at Restoration Plaza has helped me see how powerful targeted philanthropy can be when it strengthens the pillars that hold a community together. The projects I’ve studied have shown me that the most successful efforts don’t just respond to an urgent need — they create momentum for people to thrive far beyond the moment of crisis. Whether it’s funding the renovation of more affordable housing units, which provide stability and dignity, or supporting tech-focused teaching programs, which open doors to future opportunities, I now understand that my giving can help cement the foundation for long-term success. I want my philanthropy to help communities not just survive, but flourish.

Mariam Mufleh

Harvard University

Spring
2025

My giving goal is to dedicate, within reason, a portion of my disposable time and income toward driving advanced solutions for social equity and empowerment

Maria Sepulveda

University of Texas

Spring
2025

One significant factor that I believe in my giving goal is helping international charities yearly. It could be through micro-grants, fundraisings projects, or even campaigns to educate the people about these charities. I want to make global giving and helping part of my own mission in life especially in areas regarding medical aid and relief, educational areas, and disaster relief. Even though I would be starting small, I would stay consistent and hope to make a big difference as the years go by.

Margarita Sanchez

University of Pennsylvania

Spring
2025

Once I pay off all my loans I will be giving a higher percentage of my salary. Right now we give away 10% of net as a household.

Madyson Brown

Baylor University

Spring
2025

I don’t have a specific amount of money in mind that I plan on giving, however, I do plan to commit my life to a life of service. I will give my time, attention, and love to those who may benefit from it, and I will be open to receiving the same!

Madison Mestan

Abilene Christian University

Spring
2025

I want my future giving to include lots of volunteer work. I’d like to seek out causes that I believe in in my area and actively and regularly donate my time to supporting them. Additionally, I plan on 10% of my income to be going to my local church as tithing and also plan to donate at least 5% on top of that to philanthropic organizations.