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!

Olivia Harber

University of Washington

Spring
2022

I aim to give time and resources â€“ including volunteering hours at organizations and with people I respect and support their mission, or food and physical donations â€“ depending on my capacity and income until I attain a salaried job. Then, I will dedicate a fixed portion of my income each month to recurring donations to organizations I feel strongly about at that stage of my life.

Nikita Rupani

University of Texas

Spring
2022

I pledge to to give 10% of my income once I graduate and have a job. When I have a stable income, I will gradually increase the percentage of my income going into the charities of my choice. These charities will include both international and national organizations.

Morgan Van De Walle

Texas A&M University

Spring
2022

I pledge to find an organization or cause of value wherever I may be located throughout my life, and choose to donate my time or money accordingly. By focusing on one organization, I hope to be consistent and add value to the programs that are near and dear to my heart.

Molly Briggs

Vanderbilt University

Spring
2022

I pledge to dedicate my time to aid nonprofit organizations that align with my values and passions throughout my adult life. Once I earn my degree and obtain a steady job, I pledge to give 5% of my salary to philanthropy every year, and hopefully will be able to increase this percentage as the years progress.

Michal Skreta

Stanford University

Spring
2022

I plan to dedicate a defined share of my income to philanthropy as soon as I feel financially self-sufficient. In the long term, I aspire to become a philanthropist funding highly effective organizations.

mia coppola

Texas A&M University

Spring
2022

I pledge to give at least 10% of my annual income to local nonprofits as well as volunteer at least 3 days per month. I want to create these habits early in college so that I can continuously practice generosity throughout my life. Through proper due diligence, I want to educate myself and serve with local nonprofits that I feel passionate towards.