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!

Maggie Prados

Tulane University

Fall
2019

After graduation and once I have a steady career I pledge to donate to philanthropic sources that align with my personal values and beliefs. Until then I will give my time and talent in volunteering with philanthropic organizations.

Mackenzie Barta

Harvard University - Undergraduate

Fall
2019

I pledge to give through volunteering or monetary donations, depending on what stage of life I am in, to organizations that work to provide equal access to quality health care, education, housing, food, and other resources to underserved populations for the rest of my life.

Lauren Yankanich

University of Notre Dame

Fall
2019

I pledge to donate a portion of my salary, as well as my time, to charitable causes supporting women, children, and education on a monthly basis upon graduation from Notre Dame.

Lauren Raimondo

Harvard University - Undergraduate

Fall
2019

I pledge to give both my time and portion of my income to organizations that work to provide opportunities for underprivileged children to get an eduction, or participate in extra curricular activities. I have been blessed with so many opportunities in my life that have shaped who I am today, and want to ensure that other children have access to some of these opportunities as well.

Lauren Cheifetz

Tulane University

Fall
2019

I pledge to give a portion of my yearly income to charity and increase the amount of time I spend volunteering. Above all, I pledge to think critically about the organizations to which I donate my time and money.

Kiersten Aalfs

Baylor University

Fall
2019

I pledge to give 5% of my income when I graduate college to non-profit organizations in addition to giving 10% of my earnings to my church. Every year from that initial year, I pledge to increase my giving by 1% until I reach 10% of my income. Once I reach that threshold, I will reevaluate and consider giving more than 10%.