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!

Anonymous

University of Texas - Ugrad

Spring
2026

I plan to donate 8% of my annual income to charity.

Anonymous

University of Texas - Ugrad

Spring
2026

I want to spend time volunteering at a local nonprofit (whatever location I end up) at least on a monthly basis. I want to work/have had experience working in the philanthropy space, and working towards equitable giving for small and low-income nonprofit organizations. If I don’t work in philanthropy, I hope to still make a social impact in whatever it is that I am doing; whether it’s thinktank work or important research on global affairs or something else entirely. I want my future self to remember my oath in the BDP 101 class, on committing to actionable service. I want my future self to reflect on how I continue to uphold this oath” beyond college. May my youthful ambition never die!”

Anonymous

University of Texas - Ugrad

Spring
2026

As soon as I have full-time employment, I want to develop a plan for giving a portion of my income to nonprofits. This plan will also include research and thought about where I want to direct my giving. My long-term goal is to allocate that portion of my income that is not essential for living expenses towards socially responsible aims rather than falling into the temptation of only using it to make my life easier. I also hope to continue ongoing volunteering with my church and other local organizations to offer support and participate in the communities surrounding nonprofit work.

Anonymous

University of Texas - Ugrad

Spring
2026

I would try to give more once I start to make a steady income. I also already do a lot of volunteer work, but I would like to continue to get more involved.

Anonymous

University of Texas - Ugrad

Spring
2026

I plan to devote my time and skills on a regular basis to local organizations that strive to uplift disadvantage groups and better the community. Ideally, I would like to volunteer at least once a month. Finacially, I plan to give what I can to similar organizations with the hope that one day I will be able to consistantly give large amounts to causes that I care most about.

Anonymous

University of Texas - Ugrad

Spring
2026

In the future I want to create an allocated portion of my income to donate to charity. Through this course, I learned how much even a few dollars can change someone’s life.