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

Baylor University

Spring 2026

I’d like to start by giving my time and attention to those around me. As a new grad, giving financially will be difficult, but my hope is that later down the line I will be in a better position to contribute to causes financially.

Anonymous

University of Arkansas

Spring 2026

I would like to give 10% yearly.

Macie Riley

Texas A&M University

Spring 2026

As I become financially independent, I will gradually increase my regular giving to be a minimum of 10% of my post-tax income within five years of my college graduation. Following my first five years post-grad, I will prayerfully consider giving a larger share of my income. My most consistent gifts will be supporting my local Church congregation. My other philanthropic gifts will be targeted towards creating opportunities for vulnerable populations and providing them with protection from exploitation.

Anonymous

Texas A&M University

Spring 2026

I would like to give $75 a month to a charity of my choice post grad. Ideally, I would give to one that has a mission that I connect with but also is run well, so I know they will handle my donations well. I can use the skills I learned in this course to evaluate philanthropies I want to give to. That may not seem like a lot, but over time it will add up. I hope to increase that number over time. I want to make giving a priority once I graduate.

Anonymous

University of Notre Dame

Spring 2026

A few years after college after building up an emergency savings account, I hope to give a portion of my income to support scholarships at Notre Dame.

Anonymous

Harvard University

Spring 2026

I want to give at least 10% in some propensity, whether that be 10% of my time, money, or anything to philanthropic entities over my lifetime, on a yearly basis.