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!

Sean Eagan

Emory University

Spring
2020

After graduation, I plan to volunteer weekly at a local non-profit focusing on hunger and homeless, an area I am passionate about. I will also donate a percentage of my monthly income to organizations that I am passionate about.

Scott Odom

University of Texas - McCombs

Spring
2020

5k, 10k, 15k, 20k

Sarah McMurtry

University of Pennsylvania

Spring
2020

I pledge to take ownership of my own philanthropy, separate from those who came before me or taught me their definition of philanthropy. I will find, donate to, and volunteer for organizations that speak to my personal interests and have great need. By either paying for mission trips or contributing money to organizations/foundations, I aspire to spend 8-10% of my yearly income on philanthropic endeavors.

Sanjana Karan

University of Texas - McCombs

Spring
2020

I pledge to donate to unprivileged children and women in under-represented communities so that they can empower themselves and have the same opportunities as anyone else.

Samantha Sidi

Emory University

Spring
2020

My giving goal is to make philanthropy a priority in my post-graduate life. I want to reflect each year on my philanthropic goals and be able to donate to causes that mean most to me.

Samantha Ojeda

Texas A&M University

Spring
2020

After graduating and entering the workforce, my goal is to build giving into my budgeted annual expenses. This will make giving habitual and serve as a constant reminder that there are needs to be filled in our world. Through this course I had the opportunity to take a closer look at the inner-workings of local nonprofits and work closely with some of the passionate people responsible for the incredible impacts they make. Although we were focused on making a monetary impact, I learned that time, treasure, and talents are all vital components of making a strategic impression on social issues. Besides giving part of my annual income, my goal is to have a career that involves using my talents and time to make a difference in some way.