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!

Paige Baumann

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Fall 2025

Looking ahead, I want my giving to go beyond money and extend into how I show up for people and communities. I hope to continue offering my time and skills to organizations that create access, equity, and joy for others, especially for children and people with disabilities. I want my giving to be rooted in connection, whether that’s through volunteering in direct service, using my education to strengthen nonprofits, or building relationships that inspire others to give as well. Financially, I plan to give what I can at each stage of life, starting small but consistently, with the hope that one day I can commit larger gifts that support causes I care about for the long term.

Nayancie Matthews

Cornell University

Fall 2025

Commit to allocating 10% of my post-tax annual income to philanthropy, focused on organizations that advance health equity, education access, and wealth-building.

Monica Schleg

University of Notre Dame

Fall 2025

My long-term giving goal is to commit 1% of my annual income and 50 hours of volunteer service per yer to causes related to international human rights and disability advocacy. I will revisit this goal each year to make sure it aligns with my values and capacity.

Michael Russo

Cornell University

Fall 2025

My giving goal is to contribute annually to causes that I’m passionate about including in the education and health arenas. I hope to give as I’m able to make a difference in my community and beyond, taking with me all the lessons and knowledge I’ve acquired in my Philanthropic Leadership course.

Lexi Shakhnazarov

New York University

Fall 2025

I want to donate to small non-governmental archives and libraries that are involved in historicizing educational materials as well as fund educational programs for the youth. I’d also donate partially to the Armenian church for relief and humanitarian aid funds.

Kathryn Peterson

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Fall 2025

My future giving goal is to always give a bare minimum of 10% of my annual salary. I know there will be times in life where things will be costly, and other times where I may be making more than I need so I will adjust my giving accordingly but always stick to at least 10%. I would hope to live a simpler life so that I can be generous with resources I am given. I would aim to use this money for various Ministries and Nonprofit Organizations I am passionate about. Even more than money though, I hope to be generous with my time and education. I plan to always be connected to nonprofits through volunteer, education, and service opportunities so I can both be involved in communities and understand their needs, but also to form strong support networks within them.