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!

Nathan Green

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Fall
2019

I pledge to continue giving throughout my life by donating my time, efforts and resources to those in need, with a specific focus underrepresented kids/families. I want to be a role model for kids like me who have had a hard time growing up to show them that anything is possible, and to keep trying even when things don’t seem to be going in the right direction. Once financially stable, I’d like to give 10% of my monthly income to local charities and nonprofits that line up with my beliefs and values.

Natalie Chamness

Baylor University

Fall
2019

When I become independent I pledge to give away 15% of my salary. I will give 10% to my local church and the other 5% up to the discretion of my family. I plan to give this other 5% to project the church is working on or any other non-profit in our community or abroad; however, this other 5% should be given to a non-profit that the family researches and decides on together. Beyond monetary donations, I pledge to give of time and talent to these organizations while encouraging family and friends to join in this pursuit. Lastly, I pledge to teach and show my children the importance of this pledge and help them to find non-profits to invest in with money, time, and talent.

Natalie Armbruster

University of Notre Dame

Fall
2019

I aim to dedicate my carer to public service, working for a non-profit organization. I pledge to dedicate at least 5 hours a month to volunteering and I pledge to donate at least 20% of my excess income, not spent on food or rent to non-profit organizations of my choice.

Naomi Rafal

Harvard University - Undergraduate

Fall
2019

I will dedicate my career to working toward the obsolescence of philanthropy and charity in whatever ways I can; working to counter the underlying causes of poverty and socioeconomic disparity. In addition to this, as I know making philanthropy obsolete cannot happen in my lifetime, I will donate as much money, time, and other in-kind support as I can to causes and organizations with missions that align with my own and proven records of successfully helping those in need.

Molly Walsh

University of Notre Dame

Fall
2019

My giving goal is to start giving immediately after I have settled into my job post graduation. I want to budget out my salary so that I pay for what I need and give 10% of all excess earnings to philanthropic causes.

Mollie Schwarz

Tulane University

Fall
2019

As I grow up and become more financially stable, I promise to continue to donate money to organizations and issues I am passionate about. I also plan to increase the amount as my financial stability increases. Additionally, I will donate my time and actions in conjunction with my monetary donations. As I grow up I hope my career has some aspect of helping people and giving, but I hope to volunteer my time outside of my job. The career path I am currently pursuing is not the most financially desirable, so I hope my time and actions can make up for whatever I am unable to give financially. Philanthropy is an important part of my life now and I hope to not only keep the importance it has in my life, but increase the importance.