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!

Josh Anker

University of Pennsylvania

Spring
2024

I would like to continue to give to organizations I believe are shaping their communities in positive and impactful ways. Grassroots nonprofits hold a special place for me, as they are the ones who are most “on the ground” in their respective communities. Once I graduate, I plan on setting up multiple continuous donations to various community-based nonprofits.

Joseph Tallarico

Boston University

Spring
2024

My giving goals over the time of the course have changed from what they were. My current views are for global outreach and helping other countries in poverty and not helping domestically in the US. I think donating to causes that help with education or health in rural or poverty struck areas is the best and most cost effective way

Joseph Chapa

Abilene Christian University

Spring
2024

My giving goal was to give generously and thoughtfully to these nonprofits. I believe that it was a strong conviction that instead of just mindlessly giving, it is important to put thought and reason behind giving. With site visits, prayer, and discussion, I believe I was able to accomplish this goal.

Jose Caballero

Columbia University

Spring
2024

I would like to donate 1% of my salary to nonprofits when I graduate college; I would also like to volunteer once a week.

Jordyn Krinsky

Washington University In St. Louis

Spring
2024

I hope to be able to improve child welfare in St. Louis. I hope to specifically help with regards to crisis care, aid in preventing child abuse/neglect, and keeping families together.

Jordan Harvey

Texas Christian University

Spring
2024

My giving goal will be well-defined and frequently evaluated, as well as firmly rooted in my philosophy of why I give. I will educate myself on the nonprofits in my community, by analyzing 990s, and spend time volunteering there. Specifically, I will gravitate towards nonprofits addressing human trafficking, family stability, and protecting children. I will volunteer at least 15 hours each year, and invite others into that community of volunteering as well. I will donate 5% of my salary to non-profits I have researched well and volunteered for, with the goal of gradually increasing to 10% as my resources allow. (If I have not increased my giving to 10% within 15 years of earning a stable salary, I will seriously evaluate both my use of resources and my attachment to my resources). Finally, I will constantly remind myself of Jesus’ heart of caring for others and as another giving goal so perfectly said, I will constantly challenge what is mine in this world.