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!

Anonymous

Emory University

Spring
2025

In the future, I hope to donate around 2% of my annual income to meaningful nonprofits that are dedicated to addressing environmental challenges, fostering economic development, and combating homelessness in America. I’d hope to consistently donate to the same organizations over multiple years as I’d want them to have the time and resources to implement their programs or advocate for greater change. Though I’m interested in supporting causes that benefit the entirety of the U.S. population, I would want a majority of my donations to go to nonprofits that are active in the Southeast and rural communities. Additionally, I want to actively engage as a volunteer with at least one economic development-focused nonprofit in order to truly help further that organization’s mission.

Anonymous

Emory University

Spring
2025

I will aim to provide 2.5% of my yearly wealth to organizations in the Middle East that aim to increase social mobility from an educational and works-skills lens.

Anonymous

Emory University

Spring
2025

I pledge to donate 3% of my annual salary to a different philanthropic organization each year that supports either human rights, youth development, or women’s empowerment efforts. I aim to begin donating in 2 years and continue doing so for the rest of my life. Additionally, I pledge to join my community in volunteering 2 hours of my time per week to any immediate relief cause such as a food pantry, soup kitchen, or shelter. I aim to begin volunteering immediately following my college graduation and continuing doing so for the rest of my life. I will also challenge myself to encourage friends and family to volunteer their time with me, or on their own to a different organization that aligns with their philanthropic goals.

Anonymous

Emory University

Spring
2025

I hope and plan to make conscious donations every year to organizations that I am passionate about! Although I don’t have a set amount (and it will rely heavily on my income and life stage), I want to spend at least 3% of my post-tax income on these causes. Outside of financial donations, I plan to support various initiatives through volunteering, participating in research studies, and foster connections and support individual people however I can.

Anonymous

Emory University

Spring
2025

$5,000 raised or donated to International Community School in Atlanta, GA in the next 10 years.

Anonymous

Columbia University

Spring
2025

We plan to pledge the full amount to restore NYC. With our grant, the charity will grow their housing facilities by doubling their spots and shortening waitlists. They will also be able to sustain their services and partially fill a large monetary gap they are experiencing. Finally, Restore NYC intends to expand their entrepreneurial endeavors with our grant. We look forward seeing Restore NYC reach their impactful services to more people in need with our grant.