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!

Adam Anspach

Vanderbilt University

Spring
2024

In the near future, I want to focus on giving my time, rather than direct monetary resources. I will be working full time at a non-profit after graduation and want to serve my community to the best of my ability. I will not be making a lot of money, but in the future if I have a large salary, I hope to be able to also give back to my community monetarily.

Abigail Dubinski

Emory University

Spring
2024

I commit to offering my services, passion, and a portion of my annual income to advocate for animal rights, children’s advocacy, cultural institutions, and scientific research advancements. I pledge to find an organization that is working on developing better treatments and awareness for patients with Dementia. I wish no child will have to watch a loved one go through the pain of losing memories and life together. I also vow to form a relationship with the nonprofits I engage with.

Aaron Hall

University of Texas - McCombs

Spring
2024

I aim to donate enough money to pay for dinner every wednesday, 40 weeks a year, for St. Martin’s young adult group. I estimate that this will take $8,000.

Zoë King

New York University

Fall
2023

I pledge to research non profit organizations that focus on human rights and environmental justice before I make any donations, so as to ensure that the funds are being allocated in effective, meaningful, and lasting ways. I think it’s really important to research organizations to give to prior to giving because it ensures that your money will do more good than harm. I can certainly invest the time and effort it takes to make sure money will be used in the best way possible.

Zeynep Kalkan

Baylor University

Fall
2023

I would like to donate 5% of my gross monthly income every month once i am financially stable.

Zak Hemphill

University of Arkansas

Fall
2023

In the future, I intend to leverage the knowledge gained from this class to become a more impactful giver. While I don’t foresee a career in philanthropy, I am committed to embodying the principle emphasized in class, “earn to give.” This philosophy will guide my approach to giving, ensuring that I contribute in a meaningful and impactful way, informed by the insights and strategies acquired during this semester.