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!

Kira Kerkorian

University of Pennsylvania

Spring
2022

I pledge to donate at least 10% of my income every year.

Kinh Pham

Texas Christian University

Spring
2022

I pledge to give a minimum of 2.5% of my annual income and one hour per week of charitable service for the next five years. The income will be donated immediately or kept in a segregated account. I will reevaluate my goal at the end of each year and adjust my giving goal (only upwards) accordingly. I will write myself an annual letter that details my values and goals during this reevaluation process. After five years, the minimum annual amount will automatically increase (if it hasn’t been done so already) to 5% of my annual income and two hours per week of service for the ensuing five years. Finally, I promise to continue learning about philanthropy and researching organizations to improve my giving. I will have identified a list of at least three charitable organizations that I want to work with by the end of next year. I will add at least one organization to this list every ensuing year.

KHALESHA BALDWIN-CAMPBELL

University of Pennsylvania

Spring
2022

I pledge to always give to my areas of passion and to the city I was born and raised in (Philadelphia). I will contribute 5%-10% (more if I can) of my annual income to helping the residents, the institutions, and the marginalized communities of Philadelphia.

Kent Vo

University of Washington

Spring
2022

My goal is to give at least 7% of my income after I have completed my education and paid off any school related depts. I hope that 5 of the 7 percent goes towards global causes that may not directly impact me or be immediately visible to me. From what I read, the money would generate the most money if it leaves the United States. I think the other 2 percent will then go towards more local or personal causes, such as giving to my local school district or to community issues. I think this will provide me with the satisfaction with seeing the impacts of my giving.

Kennedy Stevenson

Vanderbilt University

Spring
2022

I pledge to devote my career and life to being a civil servant through representing the indigent in court. By committing to contributing my skills and knowledge, I plan to encourage equity and inclusivity. Additionally, I plan to donate 10-15% of my income to local nonprofits that will reflect my work in areas of social justice and the human right of housing.

Keila Morales

Columbia University

Spring
2022

I pledge to be more conscious in my spending so I can allocate funds to philanthropic giving. I will give time in 2022 to a non profit organization and I will begin to give financially once I am employed after graduation. I will begin with 1% and increase that number as my salary increases.