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!

Kalkidan Tewodros

Cornell University

Fall
2024

I aspire to contribute to initiatives that promote equitable access to education and career opportunities, particularly for underrepresented communities. By supporting mentorship, skills development, and DEIB advocacy programs, I hope to create lasting change that uplifts individuals and empowers them to achieve their full potential.

Justin Kim

Vanderbilt University

Fall
2024

I want to overcome the self-doubt that tells me I am not ready to give or that I lack the resources or experience to make a meaningful impact. My goal is to join a community of people committed to tackling complex societal challenges like food insecurity and poverty. I aspire not only to contribute financially but to actively engage through volunteering, meeting those directly impacted, and understanding their stories. This hands-on connection will allow me to give with greater empathy, intention, and impact, ensuring my contributions align with the values I hold today. Revisiting this vision in the future will serve as a reminder of my commitment to meaningful action and the belief that even small steps can create lasting change.

Julia Rothman

American University

Fall
2024

In the future I hope to give more to nonprofits that are incredibly impactful to me, specifically those which give back to a community I have served in the past. For example, donating to organizations that work with the elderly or migrant communities as I have volunteered/interned with those types of organizations in the past and feel empowered by their mission. I want to give more as my income increases over the years. I also want to donate my time – I know that is not exactly what this course was about but some organizations have a need for manpower in addition to monetary donations.

Juan Chamorro

Cornell University

Fall
2024

I commit to donating 1% of my net salary until I reach a $400,000 salary, and 3% thereafter. I pledge to support organizations whose missions focus on financial literacy, child welfare, animal welfare and immigration-related causes.

Joshua Barry

Baylor University

Fall
2024

My giving goal is to give 10% of my monthly income to nonprofits in my community.

josh Sun

Baylor University

Fall
2024

Throughout this semester, my future plans of generosity and philanthropy were significantly altered. In the future, I want to continue making positive impacts on my community and fulfilling its needs. I hope to be able to be generous with my money but also my time and commitment to my community. It is important to learn the needs of the community so that I, or anyone else who is giving their time or money, can determine the causes that I feel most drawn to and for what organizations I think will generate the most benefits from my donations. Specifically, I want to commit myself to volunteering my time at least 6 times a year, hopefully, I make time for more. I also want. to be able to donate monetarily. Specifically, I hope to start by donating 3% of my salary annually after I have paid off my student debts and try to escalate my contribution as my career progresses.