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!

Dylan Bester

University of Texas - McCombs

Spring
2025

I plan to take the lessons I have learned in my Philanthropy class to guide me towards both my passions (for service) and the greatest areas of need for giving (financial) while pursuing my career. As a devout Christian, a majority of my donations will naturally be through faith-based organizations, however, I truly do see the value of integrating with external organizations to propel their missions forward. I don’t believe in a 10% giving line or anything like that. I truly want my giving to come from an overflow of the heart and a trust that I have enough without specific luxuries within my life.

Duc Huu Dinh

Stanford University

Spring
2025

My goal is to be a steward of the cultures that I have shaped me into the person I am today, the queer and Asian communities. That said, the most important areas that I want to give to the most to are these exact communities, providing either my time, talent, labor, finance, or however these communities need the most.

Dorothy Brill

University of Pennsylvania

Spring
2025

My giving goal is to continue to operate in the nonprofit sector, hopefully in a space that deals with fundraising for women. I would like to donate actively in any way I can within the means that I have and advocate for changes in policy that support my morals and beliefs.

DIEGO SOTOMAYOR CARABALLO

Universidad del Sagrado Corazon

Spring
2025

giving goals: Donate 5% of my income annually to causes I believe in. Volunteer at least once a year. Support at least one local nonprofit consistently. Start a giving fund by age 30. Organize one fundraising event every year. Include charitable giving in my future financial plans.

Diego Hernandez

Texas Christian University

Spring
2025

Once I start my full-time job, my giving goal is to tithe a portion of my income, alongside giving my time. Through this, I believe that I will have a diverse giving experience that will allow me to expand my knowledge and perspective on the needs of others. Ultimately, I hope to make a meaningful impact.

Dicle Ezgi Ekinci

Harvard University

Spring
2025

Over the next five years, I am committed to donating 5% of my income to humanitarian aid organizations, adjusting the amount based on changes in my earnings. My specific goal is to contribute at least $1,000 within this period, ensuring that my giving grows in alignment with my financial capacity. Through this commitment, I aim to support critical humanitarian efforts and make a meaningful impact on those in need.