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

My giving goal is to give away part of my monthly wage after I can live comfortably with the income, subtract the amount I would give away, and save the amount I would save up for myself. I can’t say for sure right now how much salary is comfortable for me to start giving out since I’m a student. But there’s no reason that I keep all of the money to myself if I’m a half millionaire.

Anonymous

University of Texas - Ugrad

Spring
2026

My giving goal is to help those who are around me whichever way possible, and if I am earning for myself I would hope to give at least 5%. of my earnings to charity or to someone in need. I would hope that I am careful with my money and don’t just spend it all on myself and am able to help those in need.

Anonymous

University of Texas - Ugrad

Spring
2026

This class was influential in teaching me the importance of philanthropy and donating to causes that can genuinely save lives, and I want to be part of that change moving forward. I hope to pledge 5% of my income towards donations to nonprofits of my choice, although I hope the majority of them focus on education and financial literacy initiatives. To me, these initiatives can be the difference between breaking out of poverty or staying in its trap, and if I’m able to help others in these ways, that would make this class truly worthwhile.

Anonymous

University of Texas - Ugrad

Spring
2026

I hope to earn money and donate it back to meaningful causes as soon as I get a job. I can give 5% of my salary when I first start making a salary. However, even though I would only be giving a small monetary amount, I will also volunteer my time. I have always been a philanthropic person and I hope to continue that in the future.

Anonymous

University of Texas - Ugrad

Spring
2026

My giving goal is to split my income using ratios. After calculating things including retirement, living costs, and my church offerings, I want to be able to ratio the disposable income into meaningful giving, particularly to homeless rehabilitation and the advancement of clean water.

Anonymous

University of Texas - Ugrad

Spring
2026

My goal in the future is to spend my excess time, effort, and money contributing to my local and global community, especially focusing on the fields of education and health, as I see firsthand how it benefits people. I want to be able to see the impact that I have through my efforts and ensure that it is making a good change in the areas I hoped to improve.