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!

Nicolas Bergbauer

University of Texas - McCombs

Spring
2023

After 2 years of stable employment, I would like to start giving 2% of my salary a year to causes I care about. I also want to implement corporate giving programs within the organizations that I join.

Natali Lanfir

Vanderbilt University

Spring
2023

I pledge to dedicate time and effort to serve as a mentor for underprivileged teens interested in creative industries. Once I enter the workforce with a full-time job, I pledge to volunteer with a non-profit in my community that would benefit most from my passions and skillset.

Molonai Hola

Harvard University

Spring
2023

My giving goal is to pledge 5% of my income towards non profits that are geared towards the benefit of Pacific Islanders and to volunteer 80 hours a summer at local non profits.

Molly Glickman

Stanford University

Spring
2023

My goal is to donate 15% of my income annually to organizations supporting global conservation and sustainable development of human livelihoods. I also want to prioritize volunteer work with local organizations that honor trust-based philanthropic approaches.

Michelle Andrade

Texas A&M University

Spring
2023

Following graduation, I plan on giving away 10% to 15% of my income to nonprofit organizations. In case I dont happen to work in the nonprofit industry right out of college, I would like to volunteer at least twice every month. Lastly, in regard to donating my income, I plan on being more intentional with my giving and doing my proper due diligence, and hopefully building a relationship with the nonprofit I choose to support.

Melissa Kadar

University of Pennsylvania

Spring
2023

My goal is to donate a feasible amount to grassroots organizations yearly, if possible monthly. I am most passionate about giving to organizations that tackle basic needs challenges in higher education, as well as the accessibility and equitability of higher education as a whole. As I grow in my career and become more financial stable I would like to expand my commitment. A goal of mine for when I am in a comfortable financial place, would be to giving through student scholarships.