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!

Sophia Swoyer

Texas A&M University

Spring
2023

I plan to give at least eight percent of my income to nonprofit organizations each year. Specific organizations that interest me include organizations for mothers and organizations that improve our environment.

Sophia Dagostino

Vanderbilt University

Spring
2023

I pledge to work in the nonprofit sector and dedicate my career to enriching local communities. If my career path takes a different turn, I will donate my time volunteering at non-profit community organizations. If I somehow amass a large amount of disposable income, I will happily donate all that I would not need to spend to a non-profit organization.

Shardae Cann

University of Washington

Spring
2023

My goal is to give 1 % of my income to charities and to volunteer in my community.

Seth Halper

Washington University In St. Louis

Spring
2023

I hope to donate 10% of my income in the future!

Serena Nguyen

Texas Christian University

Spring
2023

Upon graduation, I will aim to be intentional about my giving. Through this class, I have learned about the value of intentional giving of finances and time. I want to focus on the time aspect in my giving. I will aim to volunteer at least 100 hours per year. To expand my horizons, I will strive to learn about a new nonprofit organization each year. In doing so, I will feel more connected to the community and intentional with my involvements. In terms of financials, I will aim to give at least $1,000 each year. However, I want to primarily focus on learning to be intentional about giving time and expanding my knowledge about nonprofits consistently.

Sela Kime

University of Texas

Spring
2023

I pledge to give 10% of my income as a tithe to my church every single paycheck. Depending on my circumstances, I would like to give an additional 5% to a charity of my choice or volunteer every month, but this is not required. Giving is important and you have so much to give 🙂