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!

Halle Seiler

Baylor University

Spring
2025

My outlook on philanthropy has greatly changed since the beginning of the course. Whereas once I thought philanthropy had to be monetary, now I realize that it can involve giving your time and talent as well. Through this realization, I am going to start volunteering at a local non-profit. Additionally, I will be more intentional with how I use my money. Recently, I have donated money to a book drive and a local non-profit that had recently been defunded federally. I will continue to make intentional donations in a larger amount that I did before this class.

Hailey Hunt

Emory University

Spring
2025

My giving goal is inspired by Nathaniel Smith’s notion that philanthropy is about serving rather than saving. I aim to donate at least 5% of my income every year early in my career and more as I gain experience, in addition to my time and my advocacy to causes that are important to me. I aim to center causes that build community, both locally and globally. Rather than being a “trendy” philanthropist, always looking for the hot button issue of the moment, I will prioritize longevity in my relationships with organizations and giving, and aim to cultivate a philanthropic portfolio of groups I am dedicated to that know they can count on me. I will also keep my ears open, listening to those impacted who have the answers as my guides for where I should devote time, money, and energy. Finally, I pledge to attempt to inspire others to give alongside me, planting the seeds of support and mutual uplift among friends, family members, colleagues, peers, and beyond.

Grant Harrell

Abilene Christian University

Spring
2025

I plan to give 5% of my earnings to non-profits.

Grace Zhang

Emory University

Spring
2025

Engage in more structured, long-term giving opportunities, explore new giving interest areas and be more strategic with monetary donations to maximize impact. For example, leveraging employee donation match programs, donating on Giving Tuesday (when most nonprofits can 2x or 3x the donation), etc.

Grace Whitter

Washington University In St. Louis

Spring
2025

My giving goal is to be in a financial position where I can freely and consistently support a nonprofit in St. Louis that empowers women and families enduring domestic violence. I want to give without hesitation, knowing that my contributions provide shelter, resources, and hope to those in crisis. My goal is to make philanthropy a natural and intentional part of my life, ensuring that survivors have access to safety, legal assistance, and the support they need to rebuild. By giving generously, I hope to stand in solidarity with those seeking a future free from violence and fear.

Gloria Liu

University of Pennsylvania

Spring
2025

I pledge to volunteer for 80 hours every year. If I do not have enough time, I will compensate with 1% of monthly income for each hour.