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!

Haley Layhew

Texas A&M University

Spring
2021

I pledge to give 5-10% of my income every year to nonprofits and organizations that I am passionate about. I challenge myself to give in other ways besides money, also. Whether that’s giving my time, resources, or ideas- I hope to utilize the skills and means that I have been given.

Haejin Kang

Emory University

Spring
2021

I plan to give at least 3% of my annual income to organizations and causes that promote meaningful and sustainable changes for the communities that I support. Not only do I plan to financially support these causes, but I also plan to engage in all spheres of philanthropy, from relief to civic engagement and social reform, to promote and extend the efforts of these organizations/causes for years to come.

Grace Liu

Vanderbilt University

Spring
2021

I plan to donate 10% of my income and volunteer at least 3 hours a week.

Grace Krapohl

Vanderbilt University

Spring
2021

I pledge to remain mindful of the organizations that I give to in the future and continue to volunteer at organizations which I find meaningful.

Ellie Hooey

Vanderbilt University

Spring
2021

I hope that I give $500 in my first 5 years of working. Then, I plan to give $1000 in subsequent years. Depending on my financial situation, I hope to be able to give about 7% of my income yearly (after tax). Finally, I hope once I am financially stable and do well in the private sector to do PR and corporate relations for a nonprofit.

Elene Marques

Emory University

Spring
2021

My goal is to give at least 15% of all of my earnings to institutions that I have my values aligned with, especially in the Education sector. Moreover, I want to donate my time to institutions at least once a month.