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!

Anonymous

University of Texas - Ugrad

Spring
2026

I would like to commit to donating 5% of my total annual income every year after the age of 25 to various non-profits. I have learned the importance of giving and how much impact my money can have on those around me, which is why I believe donating an amount every year would be in my best interests. I would also like to commit to volunteering at least 50 hours of my time a year. This is another way I can contribute to the non-profit sector without spending money, and I believe that this could be just as valuable as any dollar amount that I will donate.

Anonymous

University of Texas - Ugrad

Spring
2026

My goal is to build a consistent and growing habit of charitable giving that scales with my financial circumstances. Starting out in my career, I will commit to donating at least 3% of my income to causes I care about. As my salary grows and my financial responsibilities stabilize, I aim to gradually increase that percentage, working toward 5% or more over time. Beyond monetary donations, I also want to dedicate time to volunteering. Ultimately, my goal is to be a thoughtful, informed donor who gives intentionally and consistently throughout my life.

Anonymous

University of Texas - Ugrad

Spring
2026

My giving goal would be to donate my time, skills, and resources to nonprofits that align with my values. I hope to increase the amount I give financially as I become more stable and independent. I would love to start with donating 5% of my salary at first, and increase it as I get further into my career. Overall, I hope that my view towards philanthropy remains strong and that I do the best I can to make the world a better place.

Anonymous

University of Texas - Ugrad

Spring
2026

I want to give money to organizations that are making an impact in the community or on their recipients. I want to give to organizations that I care about, which may change over the years as I grow as an individual. My goal is to give 5-10% of my annual earnings and follow how it is being used to make a difference to ensure that it is impactful and going to effective organizations.

Anonymous

University of Texas - Ugrad

Spring
2026

I would like to give at least 5% of my salary to charities that I feel will make a difference once I reach the age of 25. I plan to find local nonprofits in my community to volunteer with at least a couple of times annually. I would also like to have gone on a mission trip with my church to a third world country that is in need of assistance by the time I turn 30.

Anonymous

University of Texas - Ugrad

Spring
2026

My giving goal is I plan to donate however much feels right in accordance with my financial status. For example, at graduation, I won’t have the ability to donate as much, but when I secure a job, have a steady income, and my family and I are taken care of, I will be able to increase the amount of money that I donate exponentially. I also think that my giving be directed to cancer or alzheimers research. Those two causes are really important to my family and me, so I would like to financially support those programs as much as possible.