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!

Marie Charlotte Demetriades

Vanderbilt University

Spring
2022

It is important to me that I give back through how I spend my time upon graduation. I would like to find organizations that I am passionate about and spend time monthly volunteering for them in some way. Once I am more established in my career and am making a higher salary that allows me to be more stable, I would like to add to my giving financially with a set percentage based on my necessary spendings and income.

Mariana Hernandez Quiros

Texas A&M University

Spring
2022

I pledge to give 5% of my income, no matter how much money I earn, to nonprofit organizations that I know and support. I will also volunteer with nonprofit organizations or charities for at least 12 hours per month.

Maria Giraldo Gallo

University of Pennsylvania

Spring
2022

I pledge to donate 30% of my wealth once I am at a stage in life in which I don’t depend on a job to inform my US immigration status, and therefore can live in the place where I feel home.

Makaylee Ellenberger

University of Texas

Spring
2022

I pledge to give 10% of my income following the completion of my education and once I am working in a steady job. However, if I do find myself working in a position with a higher than expected salary, I would want to increase the percentage of my income I am giving with great consideration. Additionally, while I am still in the process of completing my education, I pledge to give my support in the form of my time by volunteering with non-profit organizations.

Maira Angeles

University of Texas

Spring
2022

After completing my studies, I will give 5% of what I earn. In the mean time I will donate what I can and educate those around me about the importance of giving to philanthropy as well as how to find the right ones.

Maggie Roache

Stanford University

Spring
2022

I plan to dedicate my career to public service work and therefore will regularly lend my time and skills to the betterment of society and the service of others. In addition, I plan to donate a portion of my annual income to nonprofit organizations whose work I admire and determine to be urgently needed.