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!

Raahim Omer

University of Texas

Spring
2023

I pledge to give at least 10% of my income regardless of its gross value to reputable nonprofits that I resonate with. Should me income exceed 200k, I pledge to give 15%; should it exceed 350k, I pledge to give 20%; should it exceed 500k, I pledge to give 25%.

Prunella Pellegrino

Emory University

Spring
2023

In the short term a draft giving goal I have for myself is to find an organization in Pittsburgh that supports a cause I believe in. After graduation I will be moving to Pittsburgh for work and it is where I will spend the next two years of my life. So if I could find an organiation that requires monetary assistance over volunteering my time, a goal that I have for myself is to be an active donor for them.

Poppy Brittingham

Stanford University

Spring
2023

1. I plan to give 5-10% of my income annually to nonprofits of my choice that focus on human and planetary health. 2. I plan to volunteer at least 10 hours a year at a local nonprofit in the community where I live. 3. I plan to dedicate my career to environmental conservation with a focus on ocean systems and will continue to ground my work at the intersection of human and environmental sustainability and safety. 4. I plan to continue to advocate for philanthropy and encourage my peers to get and stay involved.

Phoebe Unetic

University of Pennsylvania

Spring
2023

Once I am financially stable, I hope to donate 5% of my income to my church and an additional percentage to nonprofits that work to close the wealth gap and create equitable economic outcomes.

Peyton Carey

Texas Christian University

Spring
2023

I pledge to volunteer twice monthly and donate 5% of my annual income to local organizations. This commitment will be reevaluated every 5 years with variations due to big life changes. I will research and educate myself on the local non-profits to solidify Im giving in the most beneficial and impactful way. I will work on gaining personal relationships with local organizations Im passionate about to grow my network inside the philanthropic community and see the impact. Hopefully, this process will gift me a mentor to help hold me accountable during my giving journey.

Peyton Barrett

Baylor University

Spring
2023

My giving goal will divide myself between the financial and the personal. I want to give both my monetary resources and my time in order to help struggling people. Recently, I have been told that it is best to set SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound). With that in mind, I think that I could reasonably commit myself to: 1. Volunteering at least once a month at an organization with the aim of serving underserved and marginalized communities. 2. Donating at least 5% of my monthly income to nonprofit organizations dedicated to fighting both the causes and effects poverty.