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!

Kayla Williams

Stanford University

Spring
2022

I will give my time — dedicating my career to the efficient redistribution of resources to combat inequities and injustices.

Katie Taylor

University of Washington

Spring
2022

I plan to always devote thoughtful time and energy to social causes I care about. In addition to pursuing a career path that aligns with principles of justice, I pledge to be mindful about my consumption habits, to avoid excess, and contribute financially to organizations and collectives who align with my values.

Katie Taylor

University of Washington

Spring
2022

I plan to always contribute thoughtfully to social causes who align with principles of justice. In addition to pursuing a career which advances social justice, I pledge to give financial support to justice-oriented organizations and collectives. The amount I give will likely vary through the years, but I plan to give as much as I am comfortably able to.

Karyme Alejos

University of Texas

Spring
2022

I pledge to donate five percent of my income once I deem myself to have a stable salary to charities that I have evaluated. I also pledge that I will continue volunteering in my community and work towards founding my own nonprofit that helps the immigrant population in the U.S.

Karmel Abdeljalil

Texas Christian University

Spring
2022

I believe in helping others, while recognizing that giving involves a level of sacrifice. I will take tangible steps to facilitate and encourage giving, such as putting money into a separate bank account and taking monthly deductions from paychecks. In addition to giving money, I pledge to give my time to charitable causes by committing at least 1 hour a week to volunteering and serving nonprofit organizations upon graduation. Additionally, I will encourage my friends and family to join me as I engage with different organizations and educate them on what it means to give well.

Karina Rovey

Vanderbilt University

Spring
2022

My goal is to consistently volunteer at least ten hours every month. Once I begin to make a salary, I pledge to donate at least 5% to non-profits and serve on the board of one non-profit.