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!

Charisse S Lee

University of Texas

Spring
2025

I hope to donate a portion of my savings to nonprofits that create meaningful impact by working toward curing diseases and combating currently incurable illnesses. I want to support organizations that provide resources for research and testing, with the goal of helping those diagnosed with life-threatening conditions. My aim is to donate at least 20% of my savings over the next 10 years.

Catherine Quinn

University of Texas - McCombs

Spring
2025

My giving goal is to give monthly to a non-profit supporting STEM education initiatives in youth and underinvested communities.

Casimir Kash

Emory University

Spring
2025

Once I start working, I plan to use my salary primarily to pay off any debt and student loans I have. However, once that is finished, I hope to give ~5% of my salary to causes I support. Then as I begin to earn more, I hope to be able to increase my giving to potentially 10+%..

CARTER SIEGENTHALER

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Spring
2025

Upon obtaining a steady income after graduation, I commit to donating 7% of my annual earnings to support initiatives focused on improving the lives of children. Specifically, I will prioritize organizations with a focus on those demonstrating measurable impact in at least one of the following areas: 1) early childhood education programs in underserved communities, 2) initiatives providing access to quality healthcare for children in developing nations, and 3) advocacy and policy work aimed at protecting children’s rights and well-being. I believe that investing in children is crucial for building a better future, and I aim to make a significant contribution to this cause through consistent, strategic, and evidence-based giving.

Caroline Grace Zdanowski

Stanford University

Spring
2025

I hope I will be contributing to society in multiple ways. I hope I will be working in a job that has impact, and I hope I donate extra income to causes that are important to me and the world. I will likely donate to climate causes, homelessness causes, and democracy-related causes. I don’t know yet how much I will be able to give in relative quantities of treasure, talent, and time, but I know giving will be important to me in my life.

Caroline Bercaw

Columbia University

Spring
2025

My giving goal for the future is to actively incorporate philanthropic strategies discussed in class into my daily life. I want to give in a meaningful way. I want to understand how my gift will be impactful and specifically, where it will go. I want to address the cause vs. the symptoms of an issue. And I hope to continue the work and the relationships I have started with the organizations I have already invested in as well.