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 info@thephilanthropylab.org

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

University of Texas - Ugrad

Spring
2025

After this class I will do my best to volunteer as much as I can and give when I have the opportunity to. In the future, after I graduate, I hope to do research and find more charities that I am passionate about. Once I have a steady job, I plan to give to these charities as much as I can.

Anonymous

University of Texas - Ugrad

Spring
2025

In the future, when I have my own income I would like to give 5% of my income to philanthropic causes if my income is on the smaller side. If my income is on the larger side I would like to give 12% of it to philanthropic causes.

Anonymous

University of Texas - Ugrad

Spring
2025

I have a giving goal of 10% of my wealth. Though I am already clear about the organization I will give to. So I am not really interested in being contacted about this. Thank you

Anonymous

University of Texas - Ugrad

Spring
2025

Upon getting a full-time job, I pledge to advocate for low-income communities, specifically by donating time and money to local organizations targeting health disparities. While I recognize monetary contributions hold value to non-profit organizations, I think time and involvement are also important.

Anonymous

University of Texas - Ugrad

Spring
2025

Before I am fully employed, my giving goals are to research at least one charity per year for an issue which I think is crucial and give an amount that correlates with my income at the time. I also would like to give back through more volunteer service. My goal is 50 hours per year of volunteering. When I am employed, I would like to give 5% of my annual income back to 2 or 3 critical charities.

Anonymous

University of Texas - Ugrad

Spring
2025

I hope to donate a portion of my savings to nonprofits that create meaningful impact by working toward curing diseases and combating currently incurable illnesses. I want to support organizations that provide resources for research and testing, with the goal of helping those diagnosed with life-threatening conditions. My aim is to donate at least 20% of my savings over the next 10 years.