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!

Devika Shekhawat

University of Pennsylvania

Spring
2022

I want to continue giving at least 5 hours a week to support women empowerment and if I can’t for some months/week I will want to donate monetarily.

Danielle Schmidt

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Spring
2022

Giving can mean many things beyond institutionalized philanthropy. While I intend to continue formal philanthropic giving, and expand with my financial situation, I will also continue to engage in other forms of giving. For example, I want to be a dependable and long-term volunteer in my community. I want to consistently sit on at least one foundation or nonprofit board of directors. I will continue to prioritize direct giving when possible, as I believe in the incredible power of direct financial assistance (i.e. cash in your pocket). Giving as a principle of life is important to me – not as an individual action I take, but as a mode of living that includes generosity and kindness in my thoughts, time, and resources. I strive to be the kind of person others can rely on. Someone others can ask for help. And someone who steps up to the plate.

Danielle Beerman

Vanderbilt University

Spring
2022

My giving goal is to donate 10% of my salary to philanthropy until my salary reaches $300K at which point I will donate 30% of my salary. I would also like to personally engage in and volunteer for the organizations I support.

Daniela Pacheco

University of Texas

Spring
2022

I pledge to donate a percentage of my salary and time to volunteer every year. I will re evaluate my goal every 5 years and try to do the best for my community and others!

Dallas Clement

University of Texas

Spring
2022

My goal is to give a portion of my income to philanthropic organizations each year after I graduate. The portion will depend on my salary, and increase as I grow older.

Cristal Diaz

University of Washington

Spring
2022

Once I have a stable income and housing I promise to donate money to at least two organizations that hold meaning to me. One of these being place in my hometown and the other in whatever city I will be living in. I also promise to dedicate a portion of my year volunteering with various organizations by providing free consultations once in my profession.