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

University of Texas - MBA

Spring 2026

Open a donor-advised fund in 5 years contributing 1 percent of my salary. Increase to 2 percent when I surpass over $150,000.

Anonymous

University of Texas - MBA

Spring 2026

I aspire to dedicate my time, resources, and expertise to advancing equity and innovation in cancer care. Whether through supporting patient-centered programs, funding early-stage oncology research, or mentoring fellow fighters in the journey, I want my giving to help close the gap between medical discovery and access to life-saving treatment. Over time, I hope to contribute not only financially but also through advocacy, education, and strategic involvement with organizations that empower patients and promote compassionate, evidence-based care. As my career matures, I aim to weave philanthropy into my everyday work, ensuring that progress in oncology translates into hope and healing for every person of every background affected by cancer.

Anonymous

University of Washington

Spring 2026

My giving goal is to donate my money and time to organizations that work to support environmental and social justice, that also recognize the capitalist structures we live under and how those urgently need to be reformed.

Anonymous

University of Texas - MBA

Spring 2026

My goal is to donate at least 2% of my monthly income to a charitable organization in the new city I’ll be moving toâ€”one that genuinely resonates with me.

Anonymous

Harvard University

Spring 2026

15% of income till 2036, then 20%. The majority of my wealth once retired.

Anonymous

University of Cincinnati

Spring 2026

As a student at UC, I am not able to give as much as I want, I mostly give with my time. I plan to continue giving my time to CB Moves, a place that I volunteer now. I would like my giving financially to grow with my career. I plan to give annually to organizations that I appreciated throughout my childhood. As I start a family, I plan to give to what my kids are interested in as well, so hopefully give other kids the opportunity to participate that they may not have had otherwise.