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!

Farisha Rashid

Texas A&M University

Spring
2023

1. I intend to donate 5% of my yearly income to organizations geared towards fighting hunger and food insecurity as well as organizations that promote literacy and education in disadvantaged communities. 2. I intend to begin actively volunteering in my community upon graduation. I would like to volunteer at local libraries or food banks once a month, but would like to gradually increase this frequency to once a week.

Evan Nelson

Harvard University

Spring
2023

I promise to dedicate at least $200 a year to non-profit organizations and spend at least 10 hours a year volunteering with organizations that need the hands. Philanthropy has been paramount in getting me where I am today, so its only right to give back.

Ethan Monasmith

Texas A&M University

Spring
2023

Following graduation, I intend to donate a percentage of my income to organizations that support children in the adoption/foster care system. My goal is to contribute to the lives of children without families that endure the struggles brought on by our nations questionable system. I not only plan on donating but I also want to be involved in regards to finding homes and eventually being able to provide one for some of these kids. By the time I graduate, I plan on reevaluating my goal and also plan to do the same after grad. school so that I can come up with a more solid plan on how much of my actual income percentage Id like to donate based off of my salary and loan payments.

Emma Hettlinger

University of Texas

Spring
2023

For every 100,000 dollars I make in the future, I pledge to donate 10 percent to a non-profit of my choice that has been proven effective and worthy of such a donation.

Emma Flores

Vanderbilt University

Spring
2023

In the early stages of my career, I pledge to focus on donating my time by volunteering for causes that align with my values. I also hope to donate 3% of my income, a percentage which I will reevaluate whenever my income increases. In 10 years, I hope to be giving 10% of my income, and continuing to supplement this by serving my community through serving on a board and/or volunteering in other ways.

Emma Chapman

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Spring
2023

Once I have a stable income, I pledge to donate 10% of my income to child-oriented organizations that aim to provide children with adequate daycare services. I want to ensure that children have a daycare centered around learning through play while sustaining a welcoming and safe environment.