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!

Macy Frost

Abilene Christian University

Fall
2023

I plan to give 10% of my earnings when I get out of school.

Mackenzie Mollner

University of Arkansas

Fall
2023

Moving forward, I will strive to donate time and money to philanthropic efforts. I hope to donate 100 volunteer hours a month and a portion of my income each month.

Mackenzie McConagha

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Fall
2023

My giving goal after I graduate will be to volunteer for a minimum of 8 hours a month for various local organizations. I feel like this is more realistic than giving money because I can consistently give time, especially in a slower financial situation.

Lucy Rislov

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Fall
2023

I plan to devote a portion of my time following graduation to serving my community in organizations that I believe in. If I am able and it is feasible with my financial goals, I will pledge 5-10% of my income to local food pantries and anti-hunger efforts.

LILLIE GRACE FAULKNER

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Fall
2023

While my goal is to work for a non-profit, I will be dedicating my career to working within communities to fill gaps in society. If I am able to give money I would love to give 2-5% of my salary. I do have student loans, want to have children, and also am going into a field that does not pay the highest. These are all factors that will go into the giving goal and will change year to year.

Kyra Stiggelbout

Cornell University

Fall
2023

My giving goal is to analyze my income and expenses to determine an annual giving amount every year starting the year after graduation (no minimum on the giviing amount). I also will dedicate at least 60% of my philanthropic money to causes or organizations where I can make the most impact, while the remaining amount will go towards passion projects that keep me excited and motivate me to give each year.