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!

Colin Kane

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Spring
2025

Upon graduating from college and beginning my full-time career, I intend to commit at least 5% of my pre-tax income to organizations that focus on sports training/fitness/nutrition programs for children and/or teenagers in underserved communities. I truly believe that sport and activity can in a way be a pleasant and entertaining distraction and escape from anxieties in the real world, as well as a strong way to build community and empower individuals to set goals of improvement for themselves. Because of this, I want to be a part of encouraging children of all socioeconomic backgrounds to partake in physical activity and adequate nutrition in order to better the lives of individuals and strengthen community support of aspiring youth.

Clarissa Sandoval

University of Texas

Spring
2025

Upon getting a full-time job, I pledge to advocate for low-income communities, specifically by donating time and money to local organizations targeting health disparities. While I recognize monetary contributions hold value to non-profit organizations, I think time and involvement are also important.

Claire Skatrud

Washington University In St. Louis

Spring
2025

Philanthropy means love of people, and I want to keep that sentiment at the core of what I do both now and in the future. My goal is to live a generous and grounded life, contributing a meaningful amount of my time and income for the wellbeing of others. I hope to act in goodness and love consistently throughout my life.

Claire Haefner

Texas Christian University

Spring
2025

My goal is to tithe 10 percent of my income once I have a full-time position. Through this tithe, I will use my money to do good and give to those charities I see a need in and have a passion for. In addition, In honor of my Grandfather’s memory, I plan to continue supporting the Alzheimer’s Association and raise money through hosting a walk page each year. Until I have my own income, I will continue to donate my time to organizations that their need volunteerism. I would like to spend a minimum of one day a month with an organization volunteering.

Chuyi Wu

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Spring
2025

I hope to dedicate at least 10% of my income annually to philanthropy once I get a full time position. My top giving priority will always be on providing basic needs that people require to survive such as food/medication/shelter, with providing equal opportunities and support to the disadvantaged being the second for everyone to get a chance to thrive.

Chloe Kiest

University of Texas

Spring
2025

Before I am fully employed, my giving goals are to research at least one charity per year for an issue which I think is crucial and give an amount that correlates with my income at the time. I also would like to give back through more volunteer service. My goal is 50 hours per year of volunteering. When I am employed, I would like to give 5% of my annual income back to 2 or 3 critical charities.