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!

Catherine Shurtleff

Texas Christian University

Spring
2023

I pledge to give 5% of my salary to a cause(s) that supports education and mental health resources for underprivileged populations within my local community. I will also serve 4 hours per month tutoring students or volunteering in other capacities with the goals of fostering my passions and cultivating intentional giving. Each month, I will evaluate my impact and adjust my contributions, if possible. I pledge to conduct research, spread awareness, engage in my community, and educate myself and others on these social issues.

Catherine Cela

Baylor University

Spring
2023

My giving goal is to actively & consciously think about what cultivating a life of generosity looks like for me in my time, talents, and finances. Financially, my goal is to give a certain percentage of my income to my local church body as well as non-profits I am closely involved with (i.e. I invest my time and talents there as well).

Caroline Williams

University of Washington

Spring
2023

In 5 years from now I anticipate being in Law School. This will not be a very economically prosperous time for me but this does not concern me. I plan to give 10% of my income to nonprofits to better the lives of others.

Caroline Troy

Vanderbilt University

Spring
2023

I pledge to use the skills I have gained in this course to evaluate and give 10% of my salary to a philanthropy making meaningful efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change.

Cameron Adams

Stanford University

Spring
2023

I want to donate at least 10 percent of my salary to the most salient cause of the time.

Camdyn McNutt

Texas A&M University

Spring
2023

1. During the school year I plan on volunteering for a nonprofit for foster care kids at least once a month. In the summer I plan on increasing the amount of times I can volunteer. 2. After I graduate and have a steady job I will donate a portion of my income to church and mission trip projects.