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!

Alae Aboussad

Harvard University

Spring
2025

I want to root my giving goal in action-oriented generosity rather than just monetary aid. Instead of only donating funds to charities and remaining removed from their work, I want to be actively involved in their mission—whether through volunteering or assisting with grant writing. I aim to contribute both time and resources to the most pressing issues in society, as well as to organizations I am currently involved with, to show continuous support.

Aisha Adedayo

Washington University In St. Louis

Spring
2025

My goal is always give in response to someone in need, no matter how much I have, even if it’s only a dollar. I pledge to seek opportunities to give my time, knowledge/wisdom, experience, and kindness to empower and uplift others

Aiden J Taylor

Harvard University

Spring
2025

I hope to give through continued volunteer and consulting work with organizations doing meaningful and impactful work at no cost to the organization.

Agung Vincentius

University of Pennsylvania

Spring
2025

I have been consistently donating to my church to support the education of 18 children. My plan is to continue this for the rest of my life and, if possible, expand my support—either by increasing the number of children I help or by contributing in a broader way to empower their families and improve their well-being.

AERIS SANCHEZ CORREA

Universidad del Sagrado Corazon

Spring
2025

My giving goal is to give away 5% of my annual salary to organizations and/or entities of my choice.

Aditya Narayanan

Texas Christian University

Spring
2025

My Giving Goal is to consistently provide my time, talents, and treasures in a methodical fashion, that being a consistent and planned way. While I certainly hope that my future vocation provides me the means to be able to donate money more prolifically, I hope to be able to take my knowledge from this course to still be able to donate a certain amount of my income to non-profit ideals. Regardless, I hope to continue my work as a volunteer with causes that matter to me, and now with the knowledge to find nonprofits that are efficient and effective as well.