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!

Anonymous

University of Texas - MBA

Spring
2026

I want to build Philanthropy into my life as a real habit, not just a one-time gesture. Right now I’m most drawn to Health & Medicine and Education, because I think access in both areas can genuinely change the trajectory of someone’s life. That said, I expect my thinking to shift as I learn more, and I’m okay with that. More than landing on the right” causes

Anonymous

University of Texas - MBA

Spring
2026

My giving goal is to be intentional, consistent, and impact-focused in how I contribute my time and resources. Rather than giving sporadically, I want to commit to a structured approach where I allocate a fixed portion of my income each year toward causes I deeply care about. I plan to focus on a few high-impact areas, such as education, access to technology, and community development, where I believe I can create meaningful, long-term change.

Anonymous

University of Texas - MBA

Spring
2026

10% of my starting salary post MBA, gradually increase it as my salary increases. Consider setting up a donor advised fund once I have more financial stability.

Anonymous

University of Texas - MBA

Spring
2026

2% of income

Anonymous

University of Texas - MBA

Spring
2026

My goal is to give 5% of my income in perpetuity towards non-profits associated with refugee resettlement, community building, and job placements. In particular American Near East Refugee AID (ANERA) is a group that I have long supported and hope to continue to do as long as they have meaningful work.

Anonymous

University of Texas - MBA

Spring
2026

My goal is to donate at least 2% of my monthly income to a charitable organization in the new city I’ll be moving toâ€”one that genuinely resonates with me.