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!

Sarah Griffin

Stanford University

Spring
2023

Ultimately, I want to give 10% of my income every year to organizations whose work I am passionate about. I want these organizations to be directly linked to communities that I live in/have lived in or spent a lot of time in. Because I anticipate times in my career where I wont be making enough disposable income to give this much, I pledge that I will give as much as I can during these times, and also commit to spending time volunteering at local organizations, especially in times when I dont have as much money to give.

sandee castro

University of Texas

Spring
2023

I pledge to give 5%+ of my annual income once I have a steady income. In the mean time, I want to give my time as much as I can.

SaMiya Carroll

Washington University In St. Louis

Spring
2023

Give money yearly to organizations I care about

Samantha Barnick

Texas A&M University

Spring
2023

1. Following graduation, I intend to give 10% of my annual income to organizations that support my passions such as animal cruelty, faith, and drug and alcohol abuse. I recognize that as I move through life, my passions will inevitably change, and my areas of interest in giving will be reevaluated each year. 2. I intend to volunteer at least twice per month with a faith-based organization. 3. I intend to continue to educate myself and be intentional in giving to organizations that align with my values.

Sam Byassee

Baylor University

Spring
2023

My giving goal is to give 5% of my salary to the church in the community I am involved with, as well as initiate myself into whatever non-profit or philanthropy systems and events they produce. I aim to participate in acts of organized charity, like food pantries, at least once a year.

Ruwida Muqabel

University of Washington

Spring
2023

I would like to be more involved with social justice organizations and volunteer at least twice a month. I also would like to commit to annual giving.