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!

Olivia Iles

Texas A&M University

Spring
2023

I am committing to give at least 10% of my salary to my local church and nonprofit organizations. As my income grows, I will increase this percentage. I promise to be discerning and wise with the way I allocate my resources by researching the mission of an organization and trusting their leadership.

Olivia Fu

Stanford University

Spring
2023

1. Donate at least 5% of my income to grassroots organizations and community funds after I graduate. I will increase this percentage yearly if my income increases. 2. Make a long term volunteer commitment with a grassroots organization in my community 3. Encourage three friends and family members to volunteer and donate as well

Nitzia Davalos Reyes

Washington University In St. Louis

Spring
2023

I pledge to give through time if a monetary amount is not feasible. With this includes a minimum of 20 hours per season.

Nina Ralsky

University of Texas

Spring
2023

I pledge to dedicate time to support local non-profit organizations that make a real difference regardless of where I am living. Upon graduation from college, I will dedicate a thoughtful and reasonable portion of my income to a charitable organization that is effective and transparent in achieving their mission.

Nicole Sophia Martinez

Emory University

Spring
2023

1 – Help my mom pay off the mortgage by 2028 2 – Pick a different local organization annually to support throughout the year as opportunity allows through donations and volunteering to fully understand the needs of the community I want to serve. 3% of salary and 5 hrs/month with room to expand as my income increases 3 – My high school alma mater had a school within a school program. These students underwent a much more rigorous curriculum and were given exclusive opportunities. While I am grateful for my educational experience, I believe the entire school would benefit from some sort of alumni network. I hope to manage a database of alumni willing to provide advice in professional and personal development. I envision a whole blog run by alumni and/or current students to promote intellectual discourse on subjects of interest and hosting college-prep workshops and presentations led by alumni.

Nicole Gerlach

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Spring
2023

I pledge to give $100 a year to various charities that promote womens rights. Also, after graduation, I will work once a week with a non-profit in the city that I live in. Though I cannot give much time or money now, once I have a salary, I plan to give 5% to charity.