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

Washington University In St. Louis

Spring
2025

I plan on giving 10% of my income to charitable organizations.

Anonymous

Washington University In St. Louis

Spring
2025

I’m not sure how much I want to give. After fully graduating, committing to donate at least $100 every year.

Anonymous

Washington University In St. Louis

Spring
2025

Throughout my professional career post-grad, I pledge to donate 10% of my earned income to non-profit organizations that align with my core values of promoting access to education for all students K-University as well as promoting awareness surrounding addictions and ways to help individuals struggling with them. Either by time, money, or support, I can aid organizations in promoting a safer and better community in areas that touch extremely close to my personal morals as these things have been impactful in my understanding of who I am as a person. This does not mean that I am supporting organizations in order to further my own goals and ambitions in areas where I have concerns, but rather helping to support others, with much more experience than myself, to use this support and offer it to better their own initiatives.

Anonymous

Washington University In St. Louis

Spring
2025

Philanthropy means love of people, and I want to keep that sentiment at the core of what I do both now and in the future. My goal is to live a generous and grounded life, contributing a meaningful amount of my time and income for the wellbeing of others. I hope to act in goodness and love consistently throughout my life.

Anonymous

Washington University In St. Louis

Spring
2025

My giving goal is to give away 5% of my salary once I am five years post-graduation.

Anonymous

Washington University In St. Louis

Spring
2025

Our mission statement: At Women’s Haven for Health & Safety, we are dedicated to supporting women and families in St. Louis who are affected by domestic abuse. We will fund interventions that provide both short-term and long-term resources connecting women to healthcare, community-building, and safe spaces. Through advocacy, intervention, and unwavering support, we want to empower women to reclaim their lives with safety, dignity, and independence. Overall, our giving goal is to find an organization that aligns with our mission statement. We want to support an organization that works on immediate interventions to support women who are victims of domestic violence. Since our donation is a one-time donation, we want to focus on funding solutions with immediate impact, such as shelter, legal protection, healthcare, and group therapy.