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!

Dafne Giron

Baylor University

Fall
2024

I want to be more involved in my community and incorporate this into my daily life. Two ways I plan to do this are by donating money and volunteering frequently.

CURRIE CARSON

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Fall
2024

As a young woman and advocate for women’s rights, I recognize the importance of access to healthcare and reproductive rights for women. My goal is to donate my money to the Planned Parenthood Action Fund to support their mission to provide and expand access to reproductive healthcare. I aim to donate $1,000 this year, as it is a significant percentage of my yearly income as a college student. In the future, I plan to raise this dollar amount according to how much money I make in my career. I hope to make a meaningful contribution to Planned Parenthood’s cause and will continue to advocate for women’s rights and healthcare for years to come.

Chuk Prudencio

American University

Fall
2024

My giving goal is make sure that every year I give a meaningful contribution to a nonprofit of my choice that does work that is important to me. When I have a stable salary, I want to give 10% of my salary to a nonprofit(s) that due work that I feel are impactful. I would also like to serve on a board.

Cecilia Livingston

American University

Fall
2024

For now, my giving goal revolves around donating my time to volunteering for non profits. My goal is to give at least 20 hours per week in volunteering. When I have a stronger income, my goal is to be able to donate fiscally to organizations! With these modes of giving, my ultimate goal is to be able to make some sort of difference, both locally and on a broader span.

Caroline Jouett

University of Arkansas

Fall
2024

I hope to give 5% of my future annual salary to a non-profit of my choosing. I also hope to donate my time by volunteering for non-profits that have a mission that aligns with my values.

Carolina Cantu

Cornell University

Fall
2024

My giving goal is to give 10% of my annual income whenever possible. If monetary constraints prevent me from doing so, I pledge to donate my time to organizations that advocate for policy change.