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!

Anonymous

Washington University In St. Louis

Spring
2026

I wish to donate around 10% of my salary 3 years after I graduate.

Anonymous

Washington University In St. Louis

Spring
2026

I am certain that the meaning of life is to help others. When Descartes wrote cogito ergo sum

Anonymous

Washington University In St. Louis

Spring
2026

My goal is to donate a portion of my income per year as I see fit with my finances. I hope for a portion of my giving to stay connected to St. Louis so that I can support a place that supported me for four years. I hope for a portion of my giving to be allocated to a large organization that provides a breadth of humanitarian services, and to discover smaller organizations new to me that hold personal meaning and that benefit drastically from even small sums of money and time.

Anonymous

Washington University In St. Louis

Spring
2026

My giving goal is to consistently support organizations that expand equitable access to education and economic opportunity for underrepresented communities. I will prioritize programs with clear outcome data, including college enrollment and job placement rates.

Anonymous

Washington University In St. Louis

Spring
2026

I wish to give and bring smiles to the faces of underprivileged children in urban areas everywhere. Resources are abundant, yet not for everyone, and I aim to make sure every kid has a chance, whether that be access to food or education.

Anonymous

Washington University In St. Louis

Spring
2026

My giving goal is to volunteer both time and money into local organizations once I leave college. I’d like to engage dynamically with issues of need and evaluate organizations based on the skills I have built in this class. I also look forward to a career in philanthropy, and furthering my giving through career partnerships.