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

Columbia University

Spring
2025

I would like to start my own none profit one day, especially one that is able to help with homeless veterans and address quality of life insecurities in metropolitan cities overall.

Anonymous

Columbia University

Spring
2025

I would like to continue volunteering and doing work in non-profit. My giving goal is to start my own philanthropic organization giving away hundreds of millions of dollars.

Anonymous

Columbia University

Spring
2025

I will do my best to help stray dogs in the future. Although I plan to volunteer consistently at shelters to provide basic care for dogs, in addition to that, I am determined to establish a stray dog shelter and develop an app to do everything I can to prevent the occurrence of stray dogs.

Anonymous

Columbia University

Spring
2025

I am passionate about investing in youth education and mentoring, healthcare accessibility, and changing the structures that create inequality. I have seen firsthand how philanthropy can change the lives of youths and have worked closely with children and adolescents for as long as I can remember. Once I become financially secure, my goal is to donate annually to local organizations that impact my community and work in these spaces. I also intend to continue volunteering regularly in my community to make an impact in my own way. Lastly, as a long-term goal, I would like to eventually serve on the board of directors of a nonprofit and continue to practice grant-writing and other valuable skills.

Anonymous

Columbia University

Spring
2025

Hopefully donating 5% from my future monthly salary & volunteer 20 hours each month in several non profits.

Anonymous

Baylor University

Spring
2025

My giving goal is to continue my hands-on involvement with volunteer organizations, and taking leadership roles where I see fit. This looks like donating blood with Cater BloodCare every 8 weeks or so, staying involved with Habitat for Humanity, and volunteering within my community wherever there is a need. I hope to also stay plugged into The Philanthropy Lab, whether that be as a GrantWriter or otherwise. I also hope to give a percent of my income to national and local non-profits, including DonorsChoose and MentorWaco.