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!

Robin Bartlett

Vanderbilt University

Fall
2023

I hope our organization makes a clear impact with the money we provide them and that we make people’s lives happier in Nashville.

Robin Barker

Baylor University

Fall
2023

I plan on setting aside 10% of my salary each year to charitably giving. 5% of that each year to be donated directly to a quality charity and remaining 5% to be invested into an account for larger scale charitable giving.

Preston Crockett

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Fall
2023

In the future, I would like to contribute 5% of the resources that I have towards individuals that need them more than I do. As of right now, this amount would be smaller, but hopefully as I begin my career, I can begin to give more money to individuals in need. Additionally, I would like to volunteer 60 hours throughout the year for different organizations in need.

Paulina Lacayo

University of Notre Dame

Fall
2023

I will dedicate one month of every year to service. I will donate 10% of my income in 2026. I will donate 20% of my income by 2033.

Paul LeBlanc

Baylor University

Fall
2023

My goal is to give at least 10% of my income always. At some point, I aspire to be fully involved with a non-profit organization both in my finances and in my time serving. Being on a board, volunteering, or working on staff at a non-profit are all options I am considering.

Olivia Scarbrough

University of Arkansas

Fall
2023

I want to be able to give both my time and my money to causes I feel strongly for and that are creating lasting and meaningful change. Unfortunately, I do not have any money right now to put towards that, what I can do is put forth my time and effort to build myself up in order to be able to give my money. I want to work with nonprofits in my community and take an active role withing my community. Once I have been able to do this, I can create my own organization for giving; Specifically giving free lessons to low-income children and families. Once that organization is up and running I feel that I will not only be giving my time in a meaningful way but also be able to put my money towards other organizations that help my community.