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!

Conal Fagan

University of Notre Dame

Fall
2020

For my giving goal, I plan to go into the non-profit sector and work to enhance philanthropic giving in the best possible ways. In terms of financial contributions, I seek to donate between 5-10% of earnings to philanthropic causes that are meaningful to me.

Cody Henson

Texas A&M University

Fall
2020

I pledge to find a place to consistently serve in my community so that I can work to make a change in the community. Also once I am able to have an income that allows me to be able to support my family, I plan to donate 5% of my income to a cause of my choice.

Claire Reid

University of Notre Dame

Fall
2020

I commit to supporting the charitable causes I am passionate about throughout my life. I intend to donate both time and money in an attempt to have a meaningful impact on the lives of others. Finally, I hope to pursue a career dedicated to furthering the common good in some way.

Christopher Russo

University of Notre Dame

Fall
2020

My goal is to commit to donating at least 5% of my annual income to philanthropic causes once I am financially self-sufficient. I hope that this portion will only grow as age and progress through my career. I also hope that I work in an environment that is either directly community-driven or focused on giving back to the common good.

caroline hughes

Baylor University

Fall
2020

I pledge to give 10% of my income once I graduate and begin a job. I also pledge to volunteer my time regularly to support organizations in my local community.

Briana Cahill

Baylor University

Fall
2020

When I am financially independent, I pledge to give at least 5% of my income to local non-profits. I also pledge to volunteer regularly through local organizations to give my time. I want to invest in my community through my time, money, and other talents.