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!

Alice Viroslav

University of Texas - McCombs

Spring
2025

I will be more deliberate and thoughtful about giving. I will continue to try to give a gift, even if it’s small, to reputable organizations that ask me for a gift.

Alexsis Tapia Vasquez

Washington University In St. Louis

Spring
2025

In the future, I hope to give by volunteering for at least one organization that I grow to like and become very familiar with. I hope to contribute by attending their events and any other activities the organizations put on. I also hope to donate daily and make it a habit to donate to the organization I choose. I would also like to make sure that I find ways to support them in other ways that not only include through monetary funds.

Alexis Peck

Texas Christian University

Spring
2025

My giving goal is to give at least 5% of my income in 10 years and then at least 10% of my income in 20 years. I hope to give back to my university by funding/supporting similar endeavors that I was received funding for throughout my time in college. I additionally want to donate my time and professional skills when I have the time.

Alexis Garcia

Texas Christian University

Spring
2025

My giving goal for the future is to give as much and as often as possible whether that be in service or financially. I will continue giving throughout my career and regardless of my income. However, in the future when my income grows, I hope to give more financially. As for causes, I am currently passionate about underrepresented populations and mental health. However, in the future I hope that I am able to positively impact organizations that work outside the scope of those social issues. I have no clear idea of what my giving will look like over the next few years, I just want to find security in the fact that I will be doing the most good with whatever resources and time I have available.

Alex Frias

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Spring
2025

My giving goal and hope is to support and uplift the marginalized communities, more specifically, the communities I’m a part of. I want to be able to give financially to the Latino and LGBTQ+ communities. I want to help organizations and mutual aid funds and aid the efforts made that create opportunities and provide essential resources. I am committed to advocating for greater access to education, healthcare, and community support services. My goal is to be active with my giving by supporting causes that reflect my identity, values, and desire for equity. In the future, I will continue to contribute to efforts that empower people like me and promote visibility, justice, and lasting change!

Albert Tsai

Columbia University

Spring
2025

I plan on regularly volunteering my time to an organization that I am passionate about, as well as making contributions to organizations that are both effective, and I believe in or have a personal contribution to, within my ability in the first few years of starting in the workforce.