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!

Harry Nadaner

Emory University

Spring
2024

I hope to commit myself to giving in ways that I can realistically commit to. That is why my giving goal is to commit one day every month to charity of some kind.

Hannah Batson

Vanderbilt University

Spring
2024

I plan to give 5% of my income after I graduate to a humanitarian org of my choosing.

Hannah Basali

Stanford University

Spring
2024

I plan to donate 10% of my salary to charities and nonprofits until I have a comfortable income and living situation. I would then like to donate 20% or more.

Haley Lieberman

University of Texas

Spring
2024

My goal is to donate at least 10% of my income every year to non-profit organizations, specifically those benefitting children. Additionally, I want to donate my time and volunteer with organizations in my area at least a few times every year.

Guy Sela

Columbia University

Spring
2024

Support Israel and the Jewish people.

Griffin Hawthorne

Texas Christian University

Spring
2024

Upon Graduation, I pledge to give 5% of my income with the intention of increasing that percentage throughout the next phase of my life. I plan on giving to causes that align with my passions, and I also can serve in a “time and talent” role as well as in a financial role. I believe it is equally important to pull all three levers, especially if the economic side is not at a personally acceptable level at first. I think this is realistic only if I am honest with myself in finding how to give best and realistically fill and grow that 5% number. The final portion of this goal is to spread awareness and encourage others to dive into the world of philanthropy and learn to give effectively to causes they are passionate about.