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!

Kimberly Il

University of Washington

Spring
2023

Each year, I would like to donate 10% of my income to a grassroots organization or non-profit. I look for causes such as refugee resettlement, supporting those who face deportation, human rights and advancing higher education for Cambodian youth. I would also like to do at least one volunteer opportunity each year. In 10 years, I would either create a scholarship fund or contribute to one.

Keaton Hunter

University of Pennsylvania

Spring
2023

My giving goal is to give 5% of my salary for the next 5 years and increase that by a few percentage points every 3-5 years after that point as my career grows. I hope to give to community-based nonprofits with a social justice area of focus.

Kayoko Fong

Emory University

Spring
2023

My goal is to donate at least $15,000 in my first three years post-grad. I also hope to work at least 50 pro bono hours every year. After I pay off my student loans, I pledge to donate 10% of my salary to nonprofits that align with my philanthropic values. I pledge to serve on the Board of Directors for organizations with causes that inspire me.

Kaylee Smoot

Abilene Christian University

Spring
2023

My giving goal for my life is to continue to give 10% of my salary to various non-profits for the rest of my life. I have specific benchmarks for my salary where I would like to increase the percent I give as I make more money.

Kathy Yin

University of Washington

Spring
2023

I would continue donating my time and efforts towards the community and society before I start making money. In the future, when I am financially independent, I would like to donate 5% of my yearly income towards communities that need help.

Katherine Godwin

Vanderbilt University

Spring
2023

I pledge to invest time and money in organizations that actively seek to ally with SGMs. I seek to give of my time and effort in a humble manner honoring those whose feet are on the ground working in communities. I pledge to engage with my community in a hope driven worldview, seeing the opportunity for growth, rather than the desperation of a reality. I will elevate the voices of those who have lived experience and honor their stories and successes.