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!

Grace Kim

Vanderbilt University

Fall
2023

I am hoping to donate 15% of my income to communities after thorough research.

Giulianna Pela

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Fall
2023

I plan on donating around 5% of my profit in around 5 years. I find that I would rather start at a slow pace so that I can one help my family first before I go fully into helping others. I want to also be a part of my donations and understand where the money is going and what it is being used for. I find that it is important to be involved and have a better understanding of how we can help others.

Gigi Eckholdt

University of Notre Dame

Fall
2023

Volunteer my time once a week after graduation.

Gabriella Ayad

Vanderbilt University

Fall
2023

Our mission is to combat food waste and reduce hunger by connecting food surplus to those in need. We are dedicated to creating a more sustainable and equitable food system by rescuing excess food from restaurants, grocery stores, and events and redistributing it to local communities and organizations serving vulnerable populations. Doing so will reframe the problem of waste into an opportunity to address food insecurity

EVELYN KIRNER

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Fall
2023

My giving goal is to allocate 5% of my income to philanthropy for the first five years after graduation. After this time, I will increase my giving depending on my salary and the needs of my family. I also plan to enter into a career in the nonprofit sector. The organizations I will prioritize are ones creating systemic change in the areas of reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and educational equity.

Evan Wells

University of Notre Dame

Fall
2023

I plan on volunteering my time 4 times a year to healthcare-oriented non-profits as a medical professional and volunteer.