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!

Josephine Steenbergen

Emory University

Spring
2023

My giving goal is to volunteer five to ten hours a month for nonprofit organizations I am passionate about. Moreover, I would like to donate a specific percentage of my income to nonprofit organizations, most likely within the range of five to ten percent of my yearly salary.

Jorja Smitherman

University of Texas

Spring
2023

I pledge to be involved with at least one nonprofit every year. That can be through volunteering or sending a monetary gift. I pledge to stay involved.

Jonny Cogwell

Texas A&M University

Spring
2023

First, I pledge to give 2 hours a week of my time towards nonprofits. This may look different each week, but I hope to find a nonprofit that aligns with my values, and do whatever I can to serve them. Upon graduation, I plan on giving 1% of my income, and increasing this percent each year. I believe this is a tangible goal I can achieve and continue to reassess frequently to ensure I remain consistent and true to my word.

Jonathan Nguyen

Baylor University

Spring
2023

I pledge to donate annually to nonprofits in my area or country towards nonprofits or grassroots, especially towards communities of color who are disadvantaged. I hope to build better philanthropic habits post college.

Johneth Price

Harvard University

Spring
2023

After graduating from grad school, I pledge to give back $1,000 – $3,000 per year towards programs that serve low income students. This may consist of programs that support school lunch for low income students in elementary – high school, as well as grant programs that assist low income college students with the cost of living. Before I am able to reach this point in life, I hope to donate more of my time to nonprofit organizations that are in need of volunteers.

Joey Lariz

Stanford University

Spring
2023

My giving goal is to give 5-10% of my earnings following graduation from Law School. I will choose to give to organizations with the intention and focus on supporting communities relevant to me personally. I will give to organizations centered around decreasing homelessness, substance-use in at-risk youth and supporting Latino communities.