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!

Andrew Goodwin

University of Texas

Spring
2023

I pledge to give 15% of my income annually, beginning with my paychecks after 2 years of completing school

Amy Lu

Harvard University

Spring
2023

I will give annually to at least 3 foundations or non-profits that I believe improve the quality of life for others and set aside at least a week a year for volunteer service at an organization that serves my local community.

Amelia Boatwright

Texas Christian University

Spring
2023

I pledge to give 3% of my salary and at least 4 hours per month to organizations that promote education, cultural exchange, and self-sufficiency. I will vet that these organizations have sound impact metrics and be centered in their local communities. No matter where I move, I will stay abreast of philanthropy in the Bay Area, which I will always consider my “real” home.

Amber Oosting

University of Washington

Spring
2023

Following graduation, I plan to give 2% of my salary to non-profit organizations that provide support and services to domestic violence survivors. I also plan to donate my time with a goal of 150 hours annually.

amarins laanstra

Stanford University

Spring
2023

I pledge to work in a career that emphasizes giving back and to donate at least 1% of my annual salary.

Alyssa Hix

Abilene Christian University

Spring
2023

My overall philanthropic goals are to volunteer my time and donate a portion of my income to organizations that align with where I feel God is calling me to do so; specifically local organizations in my town, as well as Neema Village in Tanzania. I believe that philanthropy can have a significant impact on society, and after taking this class I am even more passionate about using my resources to create positive change in any way that I can.