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!

Reese Kline

Tulane University

Fall
2019

I hope to continue my philanthropic work in the future. After this class, I have learned that there is so much money floating around so I would like to serve on a board or do something hands on to help people. I look forward to learning about more social issues and hopefully make an impact in the lives of others.

Rachel Kleinhandler

Washington University In St. Louis

Fall
2019

Going forward, I pledge to dedicate my life to creating positive social value for individuals and communities impacted by causes I am most passionate about. I hope to make significant financial contributions, as well as donate my time through various volunteer commitments and boards.

Patrick O’Toole

University of Notre Dame

Fall
2019

I hope to work for a nonprofit or in some realm of public service. Failing that I will always volunteer and contribute to local nonprofits and will serve on a board of directors for a nonprofit as soon as I am able to.

Patrick Harris

University of Notre Dame

Fall
2019

My giving goal is to donate a small percentage (5-10%) of my disposable income after graduation. Additionally, I hope to set aside time to be able to volunteer with charitable causes in the community.

Patricia Gutierrez

University of Notre Dame

Fall
2019

I pledge to dedicate my time to social impact in at-risk and low-income communities through my work in Teach for America over the next 2 years and my future profession down the road. Potentially 10 years down the line, when I am financially secure and fully capable of providing for my family, I will give about 2-5% of my income to non-profits that I believe have a strong mission and are efficient in reaching and helping the communities that need it the most.

Paige Anderson

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Fall
2019

My giving goal is to dedicate my time, talent, and treasures to causes that support my emotional beliefs. If I’m financially stable at the time, it may be money as a donation, and if I’m not, I will contribute through volunteering or other potential ventures for support.