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!

Jared Wood

University of Texas - McCombs

Spring
2024

My personal giving goal is to leverage my time, talents, and resources to positively impact both my church and local community. I aim to actively participate in community outreach programs through my church, volunteering my time and utilizing my skills to contribute meaningfully to initiatives that support those in need. I also plan on financially supporting initiatives and programs both locally and abroad. In addition, I am committed to establishing and nurturing a pattern of multi-generational generosity within my family. I believe in the importance of passing down values of compassion, empathy, and giving to future generations, ensuring that the spirit of generosity continues to thrive and make a difference in the lives of others for years to come.

James Sullivan

Boston University

Spring
2024

My giving goal is to branch out beyond my existing giving strategies. I want to commit to doing more research and unbiasedly donating based on what will do the most good with the money that I give.

Jacquelyn Jimenez Romero

University of Washington

Spring
2024

I hope to contribute 5% of my income towards philanthropy and increase the amount as my income increases

Jackson Donaldson

Texas Christian University

Spring
2024

To give 10% of my paycheck yearly

Jackie Shell

Vanderbilt University

Spring
2024

In the future, I would like to continue to remain dedicated to philanthropic and nonprofit efforts. Within the next 5 years, this will most likely look like volunteering my time at nonprofits. Once I have built up savings, I will begin consistently donating to nonprofits based on diligent research and personal interests. I will continue this practice, and increase donation amounts along with increases in my savings and income. Upon retirement, I would like to dedicate a large portion of my time and finances to nonprofit work.

Izzi Gonzalez

University of Texas - McCombs

Spring
2024

My giving goal is driven by my deep passion for animal rescue and providing mentorship opportunities for underrepresented minorities and women. These causes are close to my heart due to my personal experiences with rescue animals and my understanding of the transformative power of mentorship. While financial contributions are crucial, I am committed to being an active participant in the causes I support. By volunteering, mentoring, and leveraging my skills and networks, I strive to provide comprehensive support and create lasting change.