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!

GABRIEL SANDOVAL GONZALEZ

Universidad del Sagrado Corazon

Spring
2025

–

Gabe Shamberg

University of Texas

Spring
2025

Once I have a steady, full-time job, I aim to pledge 5% of my salary to philanthropic organizations. Specifically, I would like to locate some nonprofits that deal with mental health and mental illness. There is still such a stigma around mental health as a whole, and as someone who plans to go into psychology, I would like to see my donation go to a cause that I am not only passionate about but also a cause that could really use the money.

Fred Albion

University of Texas - McCombs

Spring
2025

I would like to give back financially to my local community on an annual basis for the rest of my life. Once I retire, I plan to give my time and money.

Fiona Luo

Columbia University

Spring
2025

My Giving Goal is to invest in the long-term empowerment of marginalized women by supporting access to education and healthcare. I envision directing my philanthropic resources toward scholarships and school infrastructure for gender-inclusive education. I also plan to contribute to healthcare initiatives that raise awareness and improve access to maternal and mental health services in underserved communities. My hope is to help create a world where every woman, regardless of her circumstances, can build a life of dignity, agency, and impact. This goal is rooted in the belief that sustainable change comes from looking beyond immediate needs, addressing long-term challenges, and recognizing people’s potential to foster empowerment.

Felipe Rivas-Struque

University of Texas - McCombs

Spring
2025

my giving goal is to support international communities. I want for them to be able to receive the same possibilities as any, regarldess of their heritage.

Farnosh Mojtabaee

University of Texas - McCombs

Spring
2025

After graduation, I plan to give 1-5% of my salary every year to charities that benefit people with disabilities, especially the blind. It’s a personal for me because my older brother is legally blind. As my salary grows, I hope that I’ll be able to give more freely.