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!

Kendall Bergeron

Baylor University

Fall
2020

I will give 10% of my income monthly to the church of which I am a member. I will give further to philanthropic organizations of my time and/or money. I want my future family to give significantly of our time and build in the pillars of the Solid Gold Neighbor initiative as goals that we will strive to further. Once a year, I want to thoughtfully evaluate the best medium for me to give of my time and money and to which organizations. I commit to elevating marginalized voices and showing empathy and compassion through my giving.

Kelly Mansour

University of Notre Dame

Fall
2020

I plan to devote my time and monetary giving to underrepresented groups throughout my life. As I relocate geographically, experience change in passions and opinions, and become more financially gifted to give back, I hope to serve individuals and communities that most need my service. Ideally, I will donate 5-10% of my income to various charities, as well as several hours of volunteer service each month.

Katie Kinder

Baylor University

Fall
2020

Once I begin to earn an income, I plan to donate at 15% to those in need of it. The first 10% will go to the church, and the other 5% will go towards organizations that are committed to serving others and the community around them. This number may be raised depending on circumstance.

Jacqueline Glago

University of Notre Dame

Fall
2020

I pledge to be an active voice for underrepresented groups in all communities of which I am a part. I pledge to donate time and efforts to be a positive force in society. I hope to donate a sum of my income to different causes, but my primary goal is to educate myself in order to be an ally and an advocate for different issues.

Jackson Oxler

University of Notre Dame

Fall
2020

I pledge to give 5% of my annual income to charitable and non-profit organizations beginning 5 years after my graduation. Should my annual income exceed 200,000, I pledge to give 10% of my income to such causes. I will also commit to volunteering 30 hours per year at organizations close to my own charitable causes.

Iris Schira

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Fall
2020

My goal is to be aware of how my time and earnings can be impactful to causes I am passionate about. I aim to volunteer monthly for the causes in most need of help. As I gain income throughout my life, I plan to give monetary donations each year to lessen the hardship on others.