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!

Gitanjali Raghava

Washington University In St. Louis

Spring
2025

I have seen firsthand how inaccessible and isolating the world can be, how systems meant to support people often end up failing them instead. But I have also seen the power of advocacy, community, and care in creating meaningful change. My giving goal is to support those whose lives are shaped by their experiences with disability— whether that means pushing for workplace inclusivity, funding accessibility initiatives, or simply making sure people get the resources they need. Right now, I may not have the financial means to give, but I can always give my time, my energy, and my voice. In the future, I hope to give back in even greater ways, using whatever resources I have to build a more just and accessible world.

Ginny Lee

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Spring
2025

I hope to donate 10% of what I earn to the nonprofit organization called Hope Worldwide. This group has inspired me with the work they do to help people in need, and I want to be part of that impact. As I grow in my career and hopefully earn more, I want my giving to grow too. Whether it’s through money, time, or skills, I want to give in any way I can. No matter what stage of life I’m in, I want to be someone who gives generously and joyfully.

Gillian Selig

Harvard University

Spring
2025

My giving goal is to volunteer at least once a year with a, preferably Jewish, organization and to donate 5% of my income yearly with 1% increases as I make more money. I’m going to be broke for a while.

Gianna Josephine Dugan

Stanford University

Spring
2025

My goal is to give back to the world, continuously through my every day actions and commitment to veganism, but also through charity. I hope to curate a life and career that allows me to donate at least 1% of my salary every year to the causes in which I believe, promoting environmental protection, animal welfare, and social justice. I will be a steward of the causes in which I believe and maintain the integrity of intrinsic values that allows a fostering of personal happiness and joy, so that I may give this happiness and joy to others and the natural world. I am committed to a life trajectory that aims to make the world a better, more peaceful place.

Gianna Rasico

Texas Christian University

Spring
2025

My giving goal is to give both my time and money for the rest of my life. Specifically, I will begin tithing my income to give away to different non-profits throughout the year. I also will devote my time to non-profits of my choosing. Throughout this semester, I have realized my passion for education and justice for women and children, so I will aim to support these missions further.

Gianna Dipasquale

University of Texas

Spring
2025

After I obtain a secure job as a journalist, I hope to donate 5% of my salary to nonprofits that work to aid homelessness and housing insecurity in the state of Texas. I want to do this as a way to provide to local communities since I grew up in Texas and feel strongly about those who are chronically homeless. I also plan to donate another 5% to international programs that seek to improve youth education in several countries where kids need these services. Education is incredibly important and is in need in multiple places.