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!

Xavier Medellin

Universidad del Sagrado Corazon

Spring
2024

1. Volunteer my free time to organizations that attend causes that helps my community. 2. Once graduated, offer my services as a professional in immigration matters. 3. Support raising funds, by sharing on my social media any non-profit organization that needs more visibility to address social or animal causes. 4. Promote volunteering within the community. 5. Donate some money at least once a year to social causes that focus on helping vulnerable people.

Will Baizer

University of Texas - McCombs

Spring
2024

To give enough money to save as many dogs as possible for as long as I live. I would like to give at least 5% (future me I don’t know how much this is, so I apologize?) of my funds yearly to organizations in areas I really like.

Victoria Holguin Carrasco

University of Texas - McCombs

Spring
2024

For now, I’d like to donate 6 hours per month of my time to any type of volunteering. Hopefully when I start working and producing money again, I might be able to contribute in a monetary way.

Vicente Abogabir

University of Texas - McCombs

Spring
2024

2,5% of monthly salary

Veronica Ledbetter

Washington University In St. Louis

Spring
2024

To support an organization in the St. Louis area that recognizes houselessness as a pervasive issue rooted in systems of oppression, and that seeks to address gaps and blind spots in the housing stability sector.

Trinity Schulz

Texas Christian University

Spring
2024

I pledge to devote 10% of my annual income, time, and talents (ratio based on ability) to causes close to my heart, primarily focusing on combating Alzheimer’s dementia and supporting my church. This commitment not only reflects my dedication to these core causes but it also allows me to contribute to other organizations and efforts that are meaningful to me throughout the year. Through a balanced approach to giving—including financial support, volunteer work, and the use of my professional skills—I hope to make a significant impact in areas that are most important to me, such as the fight against Alzheimer’s, enriching my church community, and engaging with additional causes as my passions lead.