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

Cornell University

2025
Fall

My giving goal is to give 3% of my income in 2-3 years and 7% in 5-7 years

Madison Yue

Washington University In St. Louis

Spring
2025

My personal experiences with volunteering and learning about mental health, gentrification, environmental justice, and juvenile rights have shaped my giving goal. Although I may not have the money to donate today, I can always give time, and in the future, I can give back in more ways than just volunteering.

Anonymous

Washington University In St. Louis

Spring
2025

I pledge to give 5-10% of my income

Anonymous

Washington University In St. Louis

Spring
2025

I hope to give 1% of my income to charitable causes every year.

Anonymous

Washington University In St. Louis

Spring
2025

I hope that I continue working with youth and donate my time and knowledge into making the world an easier place to grow up. When I am in a financially stable position, I hope to contribute monetary donations to organizations that support this broad mission.

Anonymous

Washington University In St. Louis

Spring
2025

I pledge to remain committed to giving and actively contributing to positive change in my communities. I aim to pursue a career focused on social impact, dedicating my time and resources to meaningful causes. Once I am financially stable, I also pledge to support organizations working on issues and in communities that matter to me through financial donations.