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!

Haley Lukas

Cornell University

Fall
2024

I pledge to do a biannual reflection of the causes and issues that matter to me and assess whether my philanthropic giving reflects commitment to these areas. With these reflections, it will allow me to allocate funding intentionally to organizations that resonate with my values and find new organizations when desired causes and issue areas change or grow.

Gray Almasi

Vanderbilt University

Fall
2024

After this course, I’d like to commit to deepening my philanthropic journey by staying actively involved with causes I’m passionate about, like supporting TBI prevention programs and animal welfare. Volunteering regularly at places like the Nashville Humane Association has shown me the impact that consistent support can have, and I plan to continue seeking hands-on ways to make a difference. Additionally, I want to engage in strategic philanthropy by applying the evaluation tools we’ve studied to ensure my contributions are both effective and meaningful. Long term, I hope to build partnerships with organizations that align with my values, aiming to make a measurable impact on the issues that matter most to me.

Gracie O’Rorke

Vanderbilt University

Fall
2024

In my philanthropic life, I commit to supporting the health, well-being, and flourishing of children through fiscal donations and active service. After I graduate from college and pay off any student loans, I vow to contribute 10% of my income to organizations supporting children, especially those at-risk. I also commit to refraining from supporting businesses that rely on child labor.

Grace Bowling

Baylor University

Fall
2024

I want to give ten percent of my income and ten percent of my time to philanthropy. Time and money are two extremely valuable resources, and I want to ensure that I am giving of both those resources. I want to start out with ten percent as a way to build the habits of giving of my time and money, but every five years I would like to increase it by 2.5%. As I earn more money and gain more knowledge and wisdom, I believe that giving more of myself and money will be the best way to steward my life.

GENEVA GRACE RAWSON

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Fall
2024

Throughout the rest of my life, my philanthropic goal is to support my community and my passions. I would like to continue to fund my student organization (Fencing Club of UW Madison) and make new connections with non-profits. I hope to be known as a generous person. I would also like to volunteer 60 hours a year to develop my community in areas like education.

Gaige Million

Vanderbilt University

Fall
2024

My experience with the philanthopy lab has left me wondering on the impact that I could have in my own communities, being able to research the grassroots efforts that are going on here in Nashville, with the various effective organizations that my group considered.