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!

May Zhou

Emory University

Spring
2023

I pledge to donate 5% of my salary monthly to non-profits or organizations that support environmental and social justice. The foundations or recipients should be chosen with consideration of any current events, necessitating matters, and personal values. As I gain more financial stability, I would hope to increase this percentage to 10%. I pledge to also support the causes and efforts of these organizations through communication efforts and sharing within my inner circle and community. Even if I am unable to donate myself, I would hope to spread the message in a beneficial way so that it can reach potential supporters. I pledge to volunteer at least twice a month within my own community. Personally, I would hope to volunteer at local food banks or any other organizations focused on food access. Additionally, I would like to volunteer at animal humane societies and with conservation organizations such as TreesAtlanta.

Max Diehl

Baylor University

Spring
2023

I vow to serve my community with my time, with a minimum of at least one weekend per month. I also vow to give at least $1,000 annually upon completion of my degree, with an increase as frequently as possible.

Mary Locke Speed

Texas Christian University

Spring
2023

I value fighting issues related to childrens health, animal rights, and poverty. For this reason, I pledge to donate 5% of my earnings upon graduation, with the intent of increasing this to at least 10% as I advance in my career, to local nonprofits supporting these causes. Additionally, I pledge to donate 25 hours of my time each year towards these causes to supplement what I might not be able to give financially. I ultimately hope to support those who struggle to support themselves with basic necessities. Â

mary beth canfield

University of Texas - McCombs

Spring
2023

I am working on creating a plan to give annually at a set amount that may change slightly given my unpredictable income. I have regular things I like to support year after year, and also like to leave room in that giving budget for new things I learn about. My hope is in a good year (I get distributions) to get more involved and be able to give a more substantial gift to a non profit I really connect with. I hope to keep the “”regular”” gifts steady, year over year. I also plan to join a board that I have been asked to join, as well as do more volunteer work in the community to learn more about some of these organizations from a hands on approach!

Marley Dias

Harvard University

Spring
2023

I will participate in Giving Tuesday yearly donating at least $500-1000 if that is feasible to my income, or crowd source funds from friends. I will also volunteer or perform some acts of public service 10 hours per quarter.

Marigrace McDowell

Baylor University

Spring
2023

I pledge to donate 5% of my income every year, engage regularly with the local nonprofit community, and continue to research poverty in my community. I hope to integrate philanthropic work with my career in law as well as my personal contributions to the community.