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

University of Texas - MBA

Spring 2026

My giving goal is to be intentional with both my money and time, focusing on causes that expand access to opportunity, especially in education, entrepreneurship, and health. I want to go beyond donating by staying involved, using my skills and network to support impact-driven organizations. Over time, I aim to grow my giving in a consistent, thoughtful way rather than treating it as something occasional.

Anonymous

University of Texas - Ugrad

Spring 2026

I plan to devote my time and skills on a regular basis to local organizations that strive to uplift disadvantage groups and better the community. Ideally, I would like to volunteer at least once a month. Finacially, I plan to give what I can to similar organizations with the hope that one day I will be able to consistantly give large amounts to causes that I care most about.

Anonymous

Washington University In St. Louis

Spring 2026

My goal is to give financially to causes that are meaningful to me and to match my giving to my station in life. I also want to give my time whenever possible to support organizations in my community.

Anonymous

University of Notre Dame

Spring 2026

I hope that I give both my time and money throughout my life. I hope to volunteer at least once a month and to give away some of my wealth to charity, although I am not sure yet how much I will aim for.

Anonymous

Washington University In St. Louis

Spring 2026

I wish to give and bring smiles to the faces of underprivileged children in urban areas everywhere. Resources are abundant, yet not for everyone, and I aim to make sure every kid has a chance, whether that be access to food or education.

Anonymous

Harvard University

Spring 2026

My giving goal is to support students from marginalized communities who need support (financial, mental, social) in achieving success in schools.