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 info@thephilanthropylab.org

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

Washington University In St. Louis

Spring 2026

I have been given so much in my life, from mentorship, love and monetary support. I am eager to build my life on returning that same grace and stewardship and supporting organizations that made it possible to create the life I get to live now.

Anonymous

University of Texas - Ugrad

Spring 2026

I want to give money to organizations that are making an impact in the community or on their recipients. I want to give to organizations that I care about, which may change over the years as I grow as an individual. My goal is to give 5-10% of my annual earnings and follow how it is being used to make a difference to ensure that it is impactful and going to effective organizations.

Anonymous

Washington University In St. Louis

Spring 2026

My goal is to donate a portion of my income per year as I see fit with my finances. I hope for a portion of my giving to stay connected to St. Louis so that I can support a place that supported me for four years. I hope for a portion of my giving to be allocated to a large organization that provides a breadth of humanitarian services, and to discover smaller organizations new to me that hold personal meaning and that benefit drastically from even small sums of money and time.

Anonymous

Baylor University

Spring 2026

I aim to use my time, resources, and influence to create meaningful opportunities for others, especially by empowering young people through education, mentorship, and access. As I grow in success, I will give intentionally supporting initiatives that create lasting, scalable impact rather than temporary solutions. My goal is to build a legacy of service that reflects both my values and a commitment to uplifting communities long-term. Monetarily, I plan to give 10% of my income to charity.

Anonymous

Harvard University

Spring 2026

My giving goal is to volunteer at least once a week at a local organization after graduation.

Anonymous

Texas Christian University

Spring 2026

My giving goal is to commit at least 5% of my annual income to nonprofits that demonstrate clear impact, transparency, and a focus on long-term solutions. As I grow in my career, I plan to increase this percentage and be intentional about supporting organizations that address root issues such as mental health, access to resources, and support for children and families. In addition to financial giving, I plan to use my skills in advertising and communication to help nonprofits strengthen their messaging, expand their reach, and better tell their stories. I’ve learned that strong organizations don’t always have the visibility they need, and I want to play a role in helping them grow their impact. My goal is for philanthropy to be a consistent and non-negotiable part of my life â€“ not something I do occasionally, but something that reflects my values in how I choose to spend my time, money, and energy. I don’t just want to give â€“I want to give intentionally and in a way that creates lasting impact.