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!

Vivek Raman

Emory University

Spring
2023

I hope to begin my career by donating 5% of my salary to community-focused nonprofits, gradually increasing to 10% in 3 years, and 15% over a greater length of time. I also hope to volunteer at least 2 hours a week with a community-focused nonprofit working in civic engagement and small business issues, in addition to advocating for these issues in political settings.

Victoria Wang

Harvard University

Spring
2023

While I dont have a set percentage of total income/earnings Id like to donate, I do want to periodically donate to causes that are meaningful to me. Perhaps a feasible goal would be to donate once a month, with no minimum amount to donate and no specific cause to donate to either. I hope to build a habit of giving, even if that means giving rather marginal amounts at a time.

Victor Flores

Harvard University

Spring
2023

I pledge to donate 5% of my income to political organizations advancing efforts I believe in: including the expansion of rights provided to noncitizens, abortion rights, LGBTQ+ issues, democratic advancement, and legitimacy.

Varsha K

University of Texas

Spring
2023

1. I intend to volunteer with health-related non-profits and non-profits in India. 2. Upon graduation from medical school and residency, I intend to donate 15% of my income to issues that are predominate during that time in the future.

Tulsi Patel

Harvard University

Spring
2023

I pledge to donate annually to the organizations that helped me get to where I am today with no minimum amount.

Tuan Tran

University of Texas

Spring
2023

I wish to give 10-15% of my annual income to non-profits upon getting a stable job after graduate school.