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!

Melinda Ku

University of Texas - McCombs

Spring
2020

I want to develop a personal giving philosophy and plan that I revisit every few years to ensure that I am thinking consciously and regularly about how my time, talents and treasure can be used for others. I’d like to support at least one cause outside of institutions / organizations I’ve been part of before and to introduce philanthropy to my own family one day (by giving children a sum of money to donate, for example).

Matthew Hammond

Emory University

Spring
2020

I aim to volunteer at least once a month post graduation for local organizations that serve the community in which I reside. Once I have sufficient disposable income, I will supplement my volunteer hours with monetary donations.

Matthew Cox

Vanderbilt University

Spring
2020

My goal is to give away at least 10% of the money I make throughout my life and to furthermore prioritize helping others over superfluous spending on myself.

Marissa Rivera

University of Pennsylvania

Spring
2020

I pledge to volunteer at a local NPO at least twice a year and to be more mindful of giving to others during unplanned events (e.g. contact with individuals who are homeless, family/friends in immediate need, etc). Moreover, given financial stability after graduation, I will donate a fixed amount per month on impactful, philanthropic efforts as I see fit. Monthly donations shall increase as income increases.

Mariam Hassoun

Emory University

Spring
2020

I aim to donate 10% of my excess income to improving access to education for vulnerable populations in the Middle East.

Maren McKenna

Stanford University

Spring
2020

Because I want philanthropy to play an important role in my life, I plan to annually give at least 10% of my annual income to charitable causes. If possible, I will give even more and hope to be able to as I become more established in my adult life. I also pledge to volunteer my time at a nonprofit whenever possible, in particular in the field of criminal justice.