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!

Adam Riley

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Fall
2020

I pledge to contribute monthly towards nonprofits doing work that aligns with my values, once I have a stable job. Additionally, I pledge to volunteer my time in some capacity at least once a month.

Zoe Moscovici

University of Pennsylvania

Spring
2020

I pledge to dedicate my future occupation to helping others.

Yvonne Sousa

University of Pennsylvania

Spring
2020

I pledge to be more conscious of my personal philanthropy through a strategic plan. I hope to a)identify what I want to impact and b) how much the impact gift should be. I believe this will vary as my career develops and would like to have the ultimate goal of making a 5 or 6 figure gift before I retire. Maybe that is too ambitious, but I would like to strive for that.

Yun Han

University of Texas - McCombs

Spring
2020

I always wanted to give back what I received from the society, community, and people around me. From the Philanthropy class at our school, I’ve learned that it would be helpful to decide how much I want for my family so that I can give the rest. It would be easier said than done but will remember and take action in the near future. Before getting there, I think it would be a great start if I donate 5% of my income right after the MBA to children in underdeveloped countries across the globe.

Ximena De La Cruz

University of Texas

Spring
2020

I pledge to redistribute excess wealth I acquire back into effective nonprofits who help change lives in communities that need it the most. I hope to gain experience in the nonprofit sector before opening an organization of my own that serves and empowers women in low-income nations. Finally, I intend on making time every week to volunteer in my local community.

Will Huntington

Vanderbilt University

Spring
2020

I pledge to commit my time as a volunteer and 5% of my monthly income to charitable causes while a student and I plan to continue this commitment while increasing my financial contribution as my income increases throughout my career progression. I also pledge to do my due diligence in examining organizations I plan to give to and ensure that my charitable giving will seek to empower marginalized communities and reduce rather than exacerbate social inequity.