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!

Matthew Lombardi

Vanderbilt University

Fall
2023

My goal is to make sure that money goes to a long-term organization that provides sustainable change to our society.

Mariana Martinez Sandoval

Abilene Christian University

Fall
2023

After I graduate my goal is to give at least 5% of my income to a non-profit or charity that I have researched and spent enough time getting to fully understand their goals and how they choose to use the funds that they are being entrusted with. I want to be able to support a cause that I believe in and can fully become a part of the community working towards making an impact in that area.

Maria Rentel

New York University

Fall
2023

My giving goal is to provide underrepresented and underserved groups, seeking basic needs in neglected issues.

Madison Barquet

University of Notre Dame

Fall
2023

I plan to donate 1% of my income, and then work my way up over the years. I also hope to volunteer at least once a month, preferably on the weekends.

Madelyn Alford

University of Notre Dame

Fall
2023

I plan to regularly donate money to charity after I have established myself and have secured enough money for my family to comfortably live. I also plan to volunteer regularly and instill the values of volunteering and its importance in my children.

Maddy McDonald

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Fall
2023

I hope to give 5-10% of my time, resources, or money to a non-profit as I get older. If I do not have money to give I hope to give time. If I have money I hope to give that.