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!

Ajay Kolli

Vanderbilt University

Fall
2023

$35000 to Voices for a Safer TN

Aisha Waggeh

New York University

Fall
2023

As I navigate my career path, I will carry the ethos of genuine generosity, acknowledging the complexities of the issues at hand and working towards holistic solutions. My aspirations extend beyond merely making a difference; they encompass a dedication to creating a more just and inclusive educational system for future generations.

Abigail Wollheim

Vanderbilt University

Fall
2023

I want to continue to donate to charities that I am passionate about and find ways to utilize my business and career to do good. I want to continue to donate to a variety of charities. I hope to donate a decent portion of my income and be involved in charities directly.

Abby Lamm

University of Notre Dame

Fall
2023

My goal is to pick a local organization and volunteer there once a month.

Willa Guerrero

Universidad del Sagrado Corazon

Spring
2023

My goal is to be able to have my own non-profit organization. I also would like to donate 1k once a year. To an organization that provides access to mental health services and be involved in volunteering.

Weston Esplin

University of Texas

Spring
2023

I commit 10% of my income to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to further establish Gods kindom more fully on the Earth today. I also commit to give the equivalent, or more, of two meals monthly that I have obstained from eating in order to to feed the hungry. I also commit to serve in my community through organized and unorganized service outlets. I will recognize the needs of those around me and find ways to lift and serve family, friends, and neighbors.