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!

Eduardo Marchena

Texas A&M University

Spring
2021

I want to donate at least half of my money when I die. Also, I pledge to donate and participate throughout my entire life in nonprofit organizations to promote impact in areas that I truly care for. In whatever stage of life I may be upon, I will always pursue my passion for helping and making impact, hopefully at a grand scale in the future. For now, a 5-10% of my income will be my start.

Danielle Kates

Vanderbilt University

Spring
2021

I pledge to find at least one organization I can volunteer my time at weekly, and when I am able I will donate a portion of my income to this organization.

Danielle Efruss

Texas A&M University

Spring
2021

I pledge to donate at least 5% of my income to charitable organizations starting once I’ve been graduated for 2 years or less. I also pledge to donate at least 10 hours per month at a charitable organization starting as soon as I buy a car (so that I can get there). I hope to approach each day with the goal of brightening other people’s days.

Danielle Douglas

Texas A&M University

Spring
2021

I pledge to be giving of my time and financial resources for the entirety of my life. I pledge to give 10% of my annual income to the nonprofit sector. Starting my career in a new city, I would love to find an organization to get involved with and support through volunteered time and giving. Getting involved will allow me to remain aware of the needs in the local community and mindful of how I can help meet those needs. The giving of my time is something that I plan to continue pursuing in addition to financial giving. At least ten years into my career I hope to move into the nonprofit sector full-time and bring the knowledge I have gained in the corporate world.

Daiey Nichols

Vanderbilt University

Spring
2021

My goal is to donate 5% of my income every year to causes I deem worthy, and are focused on the area where I am living.

Calvin Furbee

Emory University

Spring
2021

A giving goal I have for myself is to donate 3-5% of my monthly income towards local nonprofits in my region that are dealing with very specific and lesser-known issues. This will involve research every month on an issue within the community, and the smaller organizations that work to alleviate said issues. Through donations and volunteering, I pledge to become a more knowledgeable and aware member of my community, and help those struggling within it.