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!

Alondra Avilas

Universidad del Sagrado Corazon

Spring
2023

My Giving Goal is to donate part of my salary to organizations close to my community to contribute to the development of my environment. I also want to be strategic with the philanthropic actions I take in my future as a professional.

Allison Marino

Emory University

Spring
2023

I would like to volunteer at least twice a month at organizations that are associated with education or homelessness crises. Once I acquire a secure job, I will find ways to advocate for resolutions to lessen the problems while also donating 5-10% of my income to such organizations. Ultimately, I would like to volunteer at least twice a month at local organizations while potentially fostering animals that are close to being euthanized or in need of a home.

Allison F

Washington University In St. Louis

Spring
2023

My giving goal is to help those most affected by the climate crisis. Following graduation, I hope to donate yearly to non-profits that help advance climate action and social justice.

Ali Cohen

Stanford University

Spring
2023

I plan to make monthly donations to two organizations after graduation.

Alexa Willis

Baylor University

Spring
2023

My giving goal is to continue supporting my community and eliminating systemic issues that reinforce the cyclic nature of poverty. No matter where life takes me, I want to do whatever I can to help those around me and reduce societal factors that contribute to poverty.

Alexa Cohen

Vanderbilt University

Spring
2023

I pledge to commit to volunteering once a month with an organization that is important to me at a specific time. I also pledge to give away 5% of my annual income out of college, and 10% of my annual income once I am earning more than $200k. I also pledge to continue to look out for opportunities for sporadic philanthropy in which I can give to charity in ways outside of my giving pledge too.