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 info@thephilanthropylab.org

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!

Yishan He

Boston University

Spring 2026

5% of annual income+60 hours of community work per year.

Anonymous

Vanderbilt University

Spring 2026

My giving goal is to allocate funding to nonprofit organizations that create meaningful, long-term opportunities for individuals, particularly those from underserved communities. I aim to support programs that focus on personal growth, access to resources, and the development of skills that can positively shape someone’s future. In evaluating organizations, I will prioritize those that demonstrate clear impact, responsible use of funds, and a strong commitment to equity and inclusion. Ultimately, I want my funding to contribute to lasting change by supporting organizations that empower individuals and strengthen communities.

Mohammad Ibrahim

Vanderbilt University

Spring 2026

TBD based on the income I earn by that projected time.

Anonymous

University of Texas - Ugrad

Spring 2026

In my future, my goal is to give at least 5% of my annual income, post-tax to local charities. I believe that with this goal it can help improve small local communities and create change. Not only do I want to donate part of my income, but i also want to give my time. I want to stay connected and be involved for my community, because thats what community is. You show up and help make a change and do the work. Whether my donation goes towards health or education I want to be able to make a difference.

Anonymous

Texas A&M University

Spring 2026

My goal is to give in a way that creates meaningful, immediate impact for organizations that are doing important work but may be struggling to secure consistent funding. I am especially drawn to local, community-based nonprofits that are making a direct difference, but often operate with limited resources. I want my giving to focus on organizations where even a smaller contribution can go a long way. Through my experience in this class, I have seen how some nonprofits are doing everything they can to stay afloat while still serving their communities at a high level. That has shifted my perspective on giving. I now prioritize impact and need over size or name recognition. In addition to financial contributions, I hope to give my time and leadership by serving on nonprofit boards later in my life. I want to be actively involved in helping organizations grow, make strategic decisions, and continue serving their communities in a sustainable way. Being part of a board would allow me to contribute not just financially, but also through my skills and commitment.

Anonymous

Columbia University

Spring 2026

After finishing law school and paying off my student loan debt, I hope to one day be able to give at least 10% of my income to philanthropic causes. I also hope to give my time and efforts by volunteering regularly at organizations whose mission I believe in.