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!

Anonymous

Washington University In St. Louis

Spring
2026

I have been given so much in my life, from mentorship, love and monetary support. I am eager to build my life on returning that same grace and stewardship and supporting organizations that made it possible to create the life I get to live now.

Anonymous

Washington University In St. Louis

Spring
2026

I hope when I get this, I am less stressed and have the ability to give and give freely. Money is only worth as much as it can be used for good. Giving, even in small amounts can make a large impact on a community.

Anonymous

Washington University In St. Louis

Spring
2026

I hope to support elderly care and support until I become elderly. I will help with finance, work, and service in the field, and hope to gain real-life experience in helping the cause.

Anonymous

Washington University In St. Louis

Spring
2026

After graduating and beginning my career, I hope to donate 5% of my annual income to organizations that support immigrant communities through legal services, healthcare access, and community programs. As my career progresses, I plan to increase my giving to 15-20% of my income.

Anonymous

Washington University In St. Louis

Spring
2026

I hope to consistently be engaged with giving actions, no matter what they may be. Whether its time, energy, support, or funding, I hope to work to constantly be connected to giving in some form and hope to use the resources available to me to further my ability to give to others.

Anonymous

Washington University In St. Louis

Spring
2026

Along with pursuing a career that allows me to dedicate my time to strengthening the communities I am a part of, I will give my time through volunteering, mutual support/aid of community members, and use any financial resources that I don’t need to support others who need it more.