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!

Jad Yacoub

Harvard University

Spring
2025

As I get older and advance in my career, one of my biggest goals is to give back meaningfully through philanthropy. I want my contributions to be focused on causes that align with my passions and the areas where I believe I can make the greatest impact. Given my deep interest in the intersection of chemistry, biology, and medicine, I see my giving as centered around advancing scientific research, particularly in areas like thrombosis, coagulation, and cancer. These are complex medical challenges, and I want to help fund groundbreaking research that pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in treatment and prevention. By focusing on these issues, I can leverage my work capabilities and expertise for the greater good. I hope to either create a research group that helps develop cheap POC devices for those in need or make a nonprofit to help in this sector.

Jackson Osteen

University of Texas

Spring
2025

I want to give a percentage of my post-tax income to global health non-profits.

Jackson Heis

Vanderbilt University

Spring
2025

My giving goal after graduation is to donate weekly to my church and volunteer at least once a month at a local non-profit.

Jack Kilbourne

Emory University

Spring
2025

As I begin the Philanthropy Lab course, my short term Giving Goal is to volunteer at least once a month at the Atlanta Mission homeless shelter. By working with the Atlanta community, I hope to have a positive impact on people’s lives. As I grow older and begin working, I plan to donate around 5% of my income during my first couple years of work to several nonprofits relating to the three issues I care most about (wealth inequality, environment, and health). As my salary increases, I will increase the percent of my income I donate. As my career progresses, I will focus once again on active volunteering within my community to the best of my physical ability. I even hope that my career itself can have a positive impact on issues like the environment. Lastly, just as my mom served as the President of the Board of Directors for Womanspace, I hope to serve on the board of directors for a nonprofit by the time I have established my career.

Jack Cinelli

University of Texas - McCombs

Spring
2025

To learn how to run the family charitable foundation To give to causes focused on Christian education, Homelessness in the cities that have impacted me, and cancer research To do the most with what I have been given and to give back to the communities that have shaped me

Izzie Quinones

Baylor University

Spring
2025

My goal is to give 10% of my income each year to causes, organizations, or people in need. I want this practice to reflect my values of generosity, gratitude, and social responsibility. By consistently setting aside a portion of what I earn, I hope to make a positive difference in the lives of others while also reminding myself that wealth is a tool to serve, not just to keep. Whether through regular donations, spontaneous giving, or supporting community efforts, I aim to give with purpose, joy, and intention.