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!

Thomas Szymanski

University of Notre Dame

Fall
2020

I pledge to be an ally and advocate for underrepresented groups. I will work for a company that is socially responsible, use my position to recruit diverse applicants, and give back to organizations in need. I will volunteer in my free time and donate a percentage of my income to local causes.

Taylor Vehlow

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Fall
2020

I pledge to give not just money but my time as well to the organizations I see doing meaningful work. In a few years when I have student loans paid off, I will give at least 5% of my income to NPOs with missions that align with my own values, hopefully increasing that as I advance in my career. I will also volunteer my time at least once a month to an NPO in my local community.

Sydney Tang

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Fall
2020

I pledge to give at least 5 hours per month to an NPO from this moment onward and at least 5% of my annual income once I begin working full-time. I hope to focus on NPOs that support education and learning as I am passionate about this, but also understand the need to support other groups as it intersects with education and learning.

Srikari Ayyagari

Texas A&M University

Fall
2020

I commit to actively search for and educate myself and others on nonprofits driving impact in areas I’m passionate about, and dedicate my time, talents and resources to these causes. I pledge to give at least 5% of my income to Hindu causes and other philanthropies that create lasting, positive impact for vulnerable and underserved populations.

Sophia Stefanovski

University of Notre Dame

Fall
2020

I am making a goal for myself to pick at least one local organization to make a donation to per year as well as volunteering my time on several different occasions throughout the year.

Sena Pecen

Texas A&M University

Fall
2020

My goal is to challenge myself to familiarize myself with my local community and its efforts to help combat the prevalent issues within the community. By doing so my goal is to provide either monetary or physical support to those causes. When I complete law school, I will commit to monthly pro bono hours where I will offer free legal assistance to community members or non-profits in need of legal assistance. I want to keep incorporating acts of service in my daily life as well by building good relationships with family, friends, coworkers, or strangers who I communicate with.