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!

Grace Krueger

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Spring
2023

I hope to volunteer 5 hours every two weeks during the school year. In the future, I hope to donate 3-5% of my income and increase that percentage as I get older. I want to provide for the community to give people equal opportunities for basic needs.

Grace Bussmeir

Texas A&M University

Spring
2023

I pledge to give 10% of my income to local non profit organizations that support my personal passions and values. I intend to give of my time consistently to a local nonprofit, at least once a month, if not more. I will be intentional and generous with my giving, educating friends and family about things I’ve learned.

Gema Quetzal

Stanford University

Spring
2023

I am committed to continue to fight for justice and community. I plan to continue working in communities in the Bay Area. I hope to volunteer my time and community organize.

Gary Schmidt

Stanford University

Spring
2023

My giving goal is to support organizations focusing on challenging the issue of homelessness, particularly those that are focused on developing long-term change for those who they are directly affecting, setting these people up for better lives. My goal is to contribute $1,000 dollars annually.

Gaoia Xiong

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Spring
2023

My giving goal is to give $1000 annually to the Upward Bound TRIO program in Stevens Point, Wisconsin as scholarship money for first-generation students to go to college. Upward Bound TRIO is a program that helps first-generation and low-income students navigate academic and college opportunities. Their mission is “to provide underrepresented populations of high school students in Central and Northcentral Wisconsin with academic, cultural, and personal support for the purposes of high school graduation, postsecondary enrollment, and lifelong success in a diverse world.” Upward Bound helped me beyond college preparation, but they provided safe social support as a youth and life skills as an independent adult, such as financial literacy, how to seek social support, and networking.

Gabby Crooks

Stanford University

Spring
2023

1. I plan on committing at least $500 to mutual aid annually to individuals and communities in need. 2. I want to ensure that my giving is intentional and that it aligns with my personal values, which will include contributing to organizations that work to combat anti-Black and other forms of racism, as well as working to uplift human rights both domestically and abroad. 3. Though I will be working in public service and do not anticipate making a lot of money, I know that whatever Im able to donate can go a long way.