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!

Brianna Leung

University of Pennsylvania

Spring
2025

Once I am financially-independent, I hope to donate at least 1% of my income to non-profits. In periods where I am unable to do so, I want to continue to volunteer and commit to projects for nonprofit and community organizations.

Briana Schulte

Texas Christian University

Spring
2025

After graduation, I plan to pledge 10% of my annual income to support causes I am deeply passionate about. These include advancing literacy initiatives and expanding educational and developmental programs for children and adults with learning and developmental disabilities.

Ben Zadok

University of Texas

Spring
2025

To make at least a 5% donation to charities each year.

Ben Marcinkowski

Abilene Christian University

Spring
2025

Once I am fully employed, I hope to commit at least 5% of my salary to philanthropic efforts in my community. I believe that local nonprofits would see the most impact from giving so that is where I would aim to send my funds. I am mainly passionate about the youth because they will be the future of our country. Youth sports, daycares, and foster homes in my community are all efforts I would love to support.

Ben Kim

Texas A&M University

Spring
2025

20% of my salary

Ben Fleming

Baylor University

Spring
2025

I want to give at least 2 hours of my time every week back to the community in order to try to make a difference. I want to be more involved in Austin than I have been in Waco. Once I have paid off all my debt, I would love to give back 10% to those in need.