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!

Anonymous

Vanderbilt University

Spring 2026

My giving goal is to direct philanthropic funding toward organizations that intentionally serve historically underserved student populations who are disproportionately impacted by chronic absenteeism in Nashville. This includes students from low-income households, Black and Brown communities, and those experiencing housing instability, transportation barriers, or limited access to health and social services. Rather than approaching absenteeism as an issue of individual responsibility, this goal really prioritizes programs that recognize and respond to the structural inequities shaping attendance patterns. My group also aims to support organizations that not only provide immediate, student-centered interventions, such as mentorship, family engagement, and school-based supports, but also work to close persistent attendance gaps across race, income, and neighborhood. In doing so, I hope that the funding seeks to advance more equitable educational access and outcomes by ensuring that students who have been historically marginalized are not only reached, but meaningfully supported through targeted, culturally responsive, and community-informed approaches.

Anonymous

University of Texas - Ugrad

Spring 2026

Give enough money so that I can still lead a comfortable life but still making a difference

Anonymous

Boston University

Spring 2026

My giving goal is to remain committed to helping others in ways that grow with my resources and stage of life. As a college student, I will continue giving primarily through volunteering my time and skills. Beginning eight years after I graduate, once I am more financially established, I plan to start donating money to charitable organizations in a progressive way, increasing the amount I give as my salary continues to grow. In the long term, I hope to support organizations that promote long-term stability and opportunity, such as vocational training and educational programs, while maintaining empathy and social responsibility as guiding values in how I choose to give.

Anonymous

Universidad del Sagrado Corazon

Spring 2026

My giving goal is to donate atleast 5% of my income to charity, especially those that are most in need. I also intend to volunteer atleast once a month to any charity or program near my community. The plan is to increase the frequency of my community service and the percentage of my income going to charity work and non-profit organizations.

Anonymous

Harvard University

Spring 2026

My giving goal will align with my personal beliefs of having an impact in my community, or abroad wherever I find emotional connection in. With the money that I make, I will have a goal of donating a sum on a monthly basis.

Anonymous

Baylor University

Spring 2026

I want to be a person that helps others who are clearly in need and give to different organizations that give long term flourishing for reasons that I value and hope to better throughout my lifetime. I hope my impact and care gives these people and organizations comfort and understanding that there are people out there that want the best for their missions and believe that it is worth giving towards because it is a good cause.