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!

Isabelle Tsiprin

University of Washington

Spring
2023

I pledge to give significant time to volunteer work in the world in order to better the lives and conditions of others. Also, I pledge to look out for charities that are dedicated to their causes and make an impact on bettering the world, and I will donate a portion of my income to them.

Isabella Marrin

Texas Christian University

Spring
2023

Upon graduation, I pledge to give 5% of my income to nonprofits each year, with the plan to eventually increase my goal up to 10% over the course of the following 10 years. When money is short, I intend to give my talents, treasures, and time to volunteering 10-20 hours a month at various nonprofits. As my passions involve promoting equality, justice, and community, I will work with organizations who similarly champion the causes I care about and aid historically marginalized groups.

Iris Wickham

Emory University

Spring
2023

I plan to donate 10% of my net income post-graduation to charitable causes spanning animal welfare, homelessness, and food insecurity. I also plan to use birthdays and holidays to fundraise and donate to local food banks and supply drives. Additionally, if I ever start or run a company, I will ensure that part of our profits go towards socially impactful initiatives. Finally, if/once I end up having a family of my own, I will ingrain in them to use their birthdays and holidays to help others in whichever way they are most passionate about.

Idil Ece Alkan

Harvard University

Spring
2023

My giving goal is to help the Middle Eastern region especially countries in which are active political conflict. Ill give 15% of my income every year to improve the life standards of people who have been displaced or affected by war.

Hope Deschapelles

Vanderbilt University

Spring
2023

I pledge myself to working in tandem with the philanthropic organizations in my community to foster human connection and inspire creativity. I will use the valuable skills that I have developed at as a Community Leadership and Development major to give back to the people around me in any way that I can, at any time that I can. I will cultivate relationships with the individuals on the frontlines of the issues that are near to my heart to enact meaningful change in the community around me.

Hannah Reyes

University of Texas - McCombs

Spring
2023

Share $1-5k each year to causes I care about.