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!

Maya Ensey

University of Washington

Winter
2020

Once I have a steady source of income (hourly or salary) after college, I plan to donate 10% of my earnings to various organizations. Eventually, I will increase the percentage of income that I will donate as I feel more financially secure. I will also continue to donate my time to organizations (which I do now on a weekly basis).

Max Raske

Northwestern University - Undergraduate

Winter
2020

I want to start giving 10% of my income starting in 5 years when I have more certainty about my career.

Mateo Price

Northwestern University - Undergraduate

Winter
2020

I pledge to donate a certain amount of my future resources to non-profits organizations but to also be an active citizen that volunteers along the way and provides value to my community.

Marisa Hattler

Northwestern University - Undergraduate

Winter
2020

I pledge to give at least 5% of my annual salary to an organization(s) that productively and efficiently supports causes that I care about. As my salary increases, my percentage of salary donated will also increase accordingly.

Mariel Papenfus

University of Washington

Winter
2020

For my giving goal, I pledge to give at least the next five years of my life doing some form of non-profit or philanthropic work–mostly internationally—before beginning a career in which I can continue to both morally and financially support social justice issues. When I become more financially stable I hope to donate at least 5% of my annual income to philanthropic causes (increasing this percentage as my income grows) and continue to give my time as well.

Mahima Pirani

Northwestern University - Undergraduate

Winter
2020

I pledge to donate 5-10% of my income to causes I have researched and am passionate about. I also pledge to find opportunities to donate my time both in and out of work for 2 years after graduation, and after that, gear my career towards creating sustainable and positive impact.