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!

Anna Port

University of Texas

Spring
2025

My goal is to donate 10% of my income to nonprofits and to use my personal values as a guide for my choice of organizations and overall giving philosophy. I also plan on volunteering at least 50 hours a week. In the very far future, I would also love to work for a nonprofit or serve on its board. I believe this class has equipped me with the tools necessary to be an effective leader in philanthropy and delve deeper into the effectiveness of nonprofits.

Anna Lenski

Texas A&M University

Spring
2025

This class has made me realize the importance of generosity throughout all aspects of a person’s life. My personal giving goal is to give 10% of my salary to nonprofits or other philanthropic efforts throughout the whole of my life. Though I only work part-time right now, I can still be generous with the money that I do have. It is important to me that I support my Church and other faith-based nonprofits that are seeking to serve others and spread the light of Christ to the world. In addition, I want to make my life a life of service. I want to spend time volunteering with nonprofits and my church as often as I can. Ideally, I would like to spend 5-10hrs volunteering each month. I hope to make these goals a reality as I enter the workforce in the coming years!

Anna Le

University of Texas

Spring
2025

My giving goal is to give as much as possible whenever possible. I hope to volunteer and donate as much as I can, depending on my financial situation. I plan on donating a percentage of my income to a nonprofit and those in need.

ANN BLAKE

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Spring
2025

When I have a steady, full-time job, my goal is to give 10% of my income to various nonprofit organizations. I plan to choose various ones that align with my values, as well as participate in monthly volunteering with the organizations I choose to give to.

Anjali Miller

University of Pennsylvania

Spring
2025

I would like to give 10% of my yearly salary once I have a full-time, well-paying job.

Angie Miranda

Washington University In St. Louis

Spring
2025

My goal is to one day fund education in under-resourced communities. I would love for the foundation/fund to be in the name of my parents, who despite not having much at all to give, found the ways to give me the world and a way out of our impoverished community. I hope that my contributions will help the brightest students dimmed by their circumstances unlock their truest potential!