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!

Kalini Patel

Vanderbilt University

Spring
2023

I will ensure that I am continuously supporting minority communities from buying products from marginalized communities. I will also continue to commit myself to a bi-monthly volunteer project to give back to whatever community I am residing in the time.

Kade McAdams

Texas A&M University

Spring
2023

1. I won’t be making money for a few years out of college, however, once I do I would like to support the Texas Association of Charitable Clinics with 5% of my annual income. I work in the healthcare field, am planning a career in it, and have seen the detrimental effects that the lack of it can cause. 2. While furthering my education, I would like to dedicate some of my time to working for a free clinic. I want to make sure I am fostering the giving spirit and culture that my course helped to instill in me, and I think this would be a good way of doing that. 3. I plan to continue to educate myself on the things going on in problem areas that affect those around me, especially in the communities that I will live and work in. Being informed on the issues is the first step to helping to mitigate or solve them.

Justin Orlando

Texas A&M University

Spring
2023

After graduation and upon starting my career, I commit to becoming a regular monthly donor to an organization in my area. I will commit 3-5% of my annual income to these donations. Additionally, I will dedicate at least 60 hours per year to volunteering for this organization. Further in my career, I plan to use my professional skills and connections to further an organizations mission as part of its board of directors.

Julian Portis-Escoto

Emory University

Spring
2023

As for my giving goal, I hope to give at least 1% of my annual salary to charitable organizations of my choosing. In addition, I will also increase the giving percentage by 1% for every $50,000 in annual income I receive. So, if I earn $200,000 per year, I will donate at least 4% of my annual salary.

Juhi Doshi

Emory University

Spring
2023

You must make it a goal of yours to fully utilize the network you’ve created over the 30 years. You can collaborate with other likeminded individuals and organizations that are equally as passionate about bringing about a positive, sustainable change. By doing so, you will be spreading the impact to their network as well and will be able to maximize the impact you have on society. Lastly, you must remember that philanthropy, like most things in life, is also not constant. It is constantly evolving and its imperative that you keep up with changes in best practices and how other organizations are maximizing the impact they’re making. By observing and learning from some of the mentors you have found over the past decade, you must continuously adapt your approach to ensure that you’re able to make a large and lasting impact. As an immigrant in the U.S., it is easy to fall prey to the financial benefits from the corporate world, but I hope within the eye of the storm you remain grounded and remember what you value deep within. Our roots lie within fighting for the collective good and we must remember that no matter where we might be in the world. Make sure that everything you do from here on out has a greater purpose and that you’re truly working towards making the world you live in a better place. All in all, I hope you continuously strive towards a more equitable future. Not just for yourself, but for our society as a whole.

Joshua Mahabeer

Vanderbilt University

Spring
2023

I pledge to do my part in helping eliminate homelessness. I will donate a portion of my salary to worthy causes that have been set up to help those in need. In addition, I will volunteer twice a month at food distribution sites, homeless shelters, soup kitchens, etc. to ensure that I am not just giving financial contributions but also donating my time and energy to help end homelessness.