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

University of Washington

Spring
2026

My giving goal is to donate my money and time to organizations that work to support environmental and social justice, that also recognize the capitalist structures we live under and how those urgently need to be reformed.

Anonymous

University of Washington

Spring
2026

Once I have a salaried job, I plan to donate 5% of my income each year to causes focused on education and opportunities for women and underserved communities. Until then, I will aim to give small amounts when I can and complete at least 30 hours of volunteer work per year in areas related to education or mentorship. I also want to be intentional about where my contributions go by choosing organizations that create long-term impact.

Anonymous

University of Washington

Spring
2026

1. The first part of my giving goal is based on money and how I can give back. A key part to me is giving back financially to help however I can. I plan to donate a fixed percentage of my paycheck, as my paycheck or salary might change. I plan to donate 10% of my paycheck to any nonprofit that is prevalent that year, as needs change. 2. I will also intentionally give my time to organizations that need it. I will take the time to look into organizations and nonprofits that are prevalent in that year or time period, that I am also passionate about, and contribute my time to volunteering and share information for the cause.

Anonymous

University of Washington

Spring
2026

In the future, I want to give 5% of my income to social justice philanthropic organizations. Currently, I will increase my volunteering initiatives to an extra 5 hours on top of the 12 hours I volunteer a quarter.

Anonymous

University of Washington

Spring
2026

I want to give enough that I feel a significance in the money I have available for frivolous expenses. I want to set a goal that feels like a dent in my spending. Maybe 10% or more of each paycheck. In one year, I want to have donanted at least $1000.

Anonymous

University of Washington

Spring
2026

I aspire to donate $10 a week when I begin making a salaried income.