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!

Mallory Hill

Texas A&M University

Spring
2023

My giving goal is to: 1. Give 5% of my annual income to the nonprofit sector. While there is not one set area that I have in mind, I expect to give to the health care or disability awareness sectors. 2. I also would like to commit my time to volunteer at a local nonprofit. This could look different each year, but more than likely through a service weekend organized by a local church. 3. Lastly, I would like to keep myself up to date on local nonprofit fundraisers and events. Making it a goal to attend various ones in support of the nonprofit sector overall.

Maheen Kara

Baylor University

Spring
2023

I pledge to continue to do research and keep meaningful non-profit organizations on my radar. While staying up to date on a few that I personally align with, I hope to not just give a portion of my money (8-10%), but also my time and any expertise I have to offer in the future. The Philanthropy Lab has taught me to do my due diligence when it comes to giving, but to also recognize that there are many ways to give. Follow the money!

Madison Martell

Baylor University

Spring
2023

My giving goal is to help those in need, especially when it comes down to resources. I believe that those who are supplied with the resources needed to flourish have a great chance and opportunity of making a better life for themselves. So many non profits with this goal as well have stood out to me and I hope to further my knowledge on the outcomes of these non profits once they have began to help the community.

Maddie Farrell

Texas A&M University

Spring
2023

My giving goal is to: 1) Volunteer weekly with a nonprofit supporting the environment, child advocacy, or people with disabilities. 2) Donate once a year to the Aggie ACHIEVE program, Scottys House and CASA 3) Donate 5-10% of my income to causes I care about (can include the organizations above) each year

Mackenzie Manofsky

Washington University In St. Louis

Spring
2023

I plan to give at least one day every month to volunteering, whether that be at a food bank, health service center, animal shelter, or otherwise.

Lydia Fisher

University of Texas - McCombs

Spring
2023

My giving goal is to dedicate $1,000/year post-graduation to nonprofits based on impact and urgency of need plus 20 hours of community service a year.