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!

Eric Saltzman

Emory University

Spring
2022

Upon beginning my job my goal is to give $100 to philanthropic causes per month and volunteer 3 hours of my time per month

Eric Hu

Texas A&M University

Spring
2022

I pledge to give 10% of my income to nonprofit organizations that are doing work towards food insecurity, climate related issues or disasters, and environment.

Emme Gibson

Texas Christian University

Spring
2022

Many people have devoted their time and money to my success. In volunteering outside of class and studying nonprofits in the Nature of Giving course, I understand that some people do not have the support and resources I possess. God teaches us that we should give to those in need, and as a young person who has been blessed, it is my responsibility to give back. I pledge to take a percentage of my savings and donate to nonprofits supporting veterans and other groups in need. I am aware that I am a bit vague, but I see the value in supporting multiple organizations with different missions. In the relatively short time I have been donating, I have been a spontaneous giver. This non-habit habit keeps me aware of needs both locally and globally, and it makes giving exciting! It is important to note that spontaneous does not mean irresponsible, so I will investigate before I donate. Lastly, my mom taught me to give at a young age, and she believes in giving anonymously. I want my donations solely focused on the beneficiary, so I will adopt this preference as well. In terms of time, I will continue to volunteer at a local nonprofit I have been serving at for the last year. Volunteering is inherently more personal than monetary giving, so I plan to establish myself wherever I volunteer.

Emily Robinson

Columbia University

Spring
2022

I pledge to give more money, and a higher percentage of my income, as my earning increases.

Emily Payne

University of Texas

Spring
2022

I pledge to use my time, money, and resources in a philanthropic way to provide opportunities for a better life to those who would otherwise go without them for the remainder of my life assuming I am in the position to do so.

Ellie Bolin

University of Texas

Spring
2022

I pledge to give an economically feasible amount of my income annually once I have attained a stable job. If I am unemployed, I will donate my time (20 hrs per year) in either volunteering or fundraising for nonprofits.