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!

Chloe Katz

Columbia University

Spring
2025

I want to give to organizations that serve traumatized populations in the country I will be living in. I hope to donate both my time and a percent of my earnings each year to organizations that I believe truly make a difference at improving the quality of life of people among these populations. This can be in the form of physical, mental or spiritual rehabilitation. I want to be careful with who I donate my time and earnings to. The organizations MUST be spending their money wisely, without anything wasted in legal fees or large salaries.

Chloe Brown

Texas Christian University

Spring
2025

I want to dedicate myself to stewarding my resources with purpose, beginning with a 10% tithe to my church and expanding to 20% of my income as my career flourishes. Beyond financial giving, I will commit to weekly church service while also cultivating additional volunteer opportunities that resonate with what I’m passionate about. I want to share my legal education to empower non-profits and intentionally model a legacy of generosity for my future children, instilling in them not just the importance of giving, but the profound joy that comes from serving others with an open heart and hands.

chi yan

University of Pennsylvania

Spring
2025

COMMIT 5% OF MY REVENUES TO SOCIAL SECTOR ANNUALLY.

Charlotte Raine

Emory University

Spring
2025

I pledge to donate 2% of my annual income over my first two years out of college to philanthropic causes. After this, I hope to increase my donations proportionately as my salary increases. In addition to giving, I will volunteer for 15 hours a year, aiding nonprofits in whatever ways I can and through involvements in my community that are important to me. I will do thorough research into nonprofits, as well as learn about the needs of communities around me. Through donations and volunteering, I hope to build meaningful relationships with nonprofits and my community.

Charles Yuchen Shi

Stanford University

Spring
2025

Affects impact in climate change and the environment, increasing equity and resilience in our communities!

Charles Marcus Snipp

Stanford University

Spring
2025

My giving goal in the future is to maximize impact to people and communities closest to me personally and proximally by offering my time in the form of volunteering as well as offering money.