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!

Jillian Trevino

Texas A&M University

Spring
2025

My goal is to start around giving 5% of my salary and work my way up to 10% of my salary per year towards missions and values that align with mine. A specific area I would like to contribute towards is homelessness and poverty, as well as maternity programs.

Jiayun M

University of Pennsylvania

Spring
2025

My giving goal is to support initiatives that address poverty, promote the arts, improve education in underserved areas, and advance women’s health. I aim to contribute both financially and through direct engagement to programs that empower individuals, provide access to essential resources, and create opportunities for long-term change. In the future, I envision funding or collaborating with organizations that bridge systemic gaps in poverty alleviation and education, particularly in rural and economically disadvantaged communities. Additionally, I hope to support artistic expression as a tool for empowerment and healing and advocate for women’s healthcare access and reproductive rights.

JETZABEL LOPEZ DAVILA

Universidad del Sagrado Corazon

Spring
2025

As part of my giving goal, I would like to get involved at least once, in all the causes that have stirred my heart and that I deem important. I would like to be a volunteer for kids at the same church camp where I grew up and learned so much, so I can give back to those kids and try to help them see God in a real and fun way, the same way that I did. I want to help the environment as much as I can and try to protect the culture and nature of my island. I want to be able to foster animals and help them find forever homes, once I have the means to. II want to continue to teach even a little bit, for as long as there is someone that needs my help and God knows that I can help them understand. If I ever have a bunch of money, I want to give some of it away, or maybe even start a foundation if it’s a large sum of wealth. Along the way, if any other cause really grabs my attention, I want to be the kind of person who tries it at least once. Above all, I want to just continue to be a kind person, trying to make the people I meet feel at ease, and be the kind of person who always tries to help and be kind in my day-to-day life, which is just as important as trying to help big causes.

Jessie Lin

Columbia University

Spring
2025

I want to give consistently to one cause over the next 1-3 years, 3 causes in the next 3-10 years, and 5 causes after 10+ years.

Jenny Duan

Stanford University

Spring
2025

Right now, I’m committed to setting aside 5% of my monthly income to philanthropy. I hope that this amount will stay consistent and grow over time. I am most drawn to education and the arts right now, but am opening to discovering new impact areas as well.

Jenna Keeley

Abilene Christian University

Spring
2025

My philanthropic giving goal is to faithfully honor God and His faithfulness by tithing at least ten percent of my income, and more as I advance in my career and am able, to further His kingdom, serve those in need, and steward His blessings with eternal purpose.