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!

Adam Salek

University of Notre Dame

Fall
2022

I hope to volunteer weekly at nonprofits in the community I choose to live in. Additionally, once I have a stable living situation, I hope to give a fixed amount of my income to worthy causes, especially to the students I teach as an aspiring teacher.

Aaron Thielen

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Fall
2022

I pledge to continue to donate money and time to non-profit arts organizations that are in line with my personal mission statement. I will donate $3,000 per year and 60 hours of service time annually.

Zui Tao

University of Pennsylvania

Spring
2022

I pledge to donate a fixed amount of my annual income to the non-profit organizations that I think would make a positive impact on our community. In addition, I will take at least one week to participate in volunteer events annually.

Zubin Iyappa

Emory University

Spring
2022

I pledge to immerse myself within the communities and causes I am passionate about above and beyond internet activism or dining room conversations. I set myself the goal to take the time off from my professional commitments to be involved on the field to pioneer efforts in the areas of education and social equality. When I have achieved my professional milestone of financial security, I commit to making strategic and impactful donations to support organizations doing meaningful work.

Zoey Deutsch

Washington University In St. Louis

Spring
2022

I commit to giving away 10% of my income once hired for my first salaried job. As my salary increases, I hope to increase that percentage from 10% to 15%. I also hope to donate my time through the impact of my career and outside volunteer work. As someone with aspirations to pursue a career in law, engaging in pro bono work is extremely important to me, whether full time as a public defender or at any other firm I may work at.

Yoonsoo Kim

University of California, Irvine

Spring
2022

Once I graduate and have a stable income and housing, I pledge to donate money to non-profit organization about 5% of my income which are meaningful to me and also socially. I promise to volunteer the place in need every month to help them with love.