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!

Katerina Ganasoulis

Emory University

Spring
2020

My giving goal is to continue to give time and money to non-profit organizations promoting food security and education after I graduate. For the time being, I would like to volunteer every week and give 5% of my income per month (amount can increase as my income increases). Through my career, I would love the opportunity to provide resources such as free consulting services.

Joseph Brand

University of Pennsylvania

Spring
2020

I pledge to support philanthropic causes that support and impact our community and society as a whole and to foster a culture of giving within my family.

John Hunt

University of Texas - McCombs

Spring
2020

My goal is to pursue philanthropic and non-profit endeavors in sectors that I am passionate about, and that contribute toward the betterment of society as a whole.

John Collins

Vanderbilt University

Spring
2020

As a finish law school and transition into my professional career, I want to make an impact on the community and the people around me. In order to do so, I will give to organizations that I feel are impactful and meaningful. The portion of my wealth that I give will increase over time as I advance in my career and finish paying for my education. Regardless of the percentage that I choose to give, I want to continually make strides toward making a difference and inspiring lasting change. Using the techniques that I have learned with my university course and the Philanthropy Lab program, I will be able to more carefully select organizations that fulfill these desires.

Joe Spieldenner

Columbia University

Spring
2020

I pledge to primarily support organizations and causes that work towards supporting two-year college students in completing their degree or credential. At a minimum, I plan on giving 1% of my annual income within my first year of working and then increasing my giving budget by 1% of my annual income every two years until my giving budget is 10% of my annual income.

Jasmine Blue

University of Pennsylvania

Spring
2020

I pledge to continue giving to nonprofit organizations each year–whether through recurring donations or by tithing to my church and giving offerings to specific initiatives to help the community. I also pledge to live generously with my time and talent. I hope to make an impact through my career, but want to be oriented towards helping others no matter what sector I am in.