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!

Hannah Russell

Tulane University

Fall
2019

I would like to continue doing what I have learned in this class by giving philanthropically to an organization that is meaningful to me. I would like to challenge myself to give at least $1 every week to support a meaningful cause. In the long term, I would also like to serve on a non-profit or foundation board.

Hannah Guttman

Tulane University

Fall
2019

I hope to be able to continue my philanthropy efforts after I graduate college. I would like to donate as much money as possible to philanthropy, whether it is small or large, I know that any amount could help.

Grace Olwell

Tulane University

Fall
2019

I challenge myself to contribute my time and money towards causes I am passionate about. I will strive to be educated about organizations that are the most effective and impactful within their focused area. I will use the privilege I possess to create a society that is more equitable and accepting of all people through volunteering and monetary donations.

Gabi Brasher

Texas A&M University

Fall
2019

I pledge to start giving 10% of my income annually when I begin a full time position. I intend to allocate part of the 10% to my church as well as to local nonprofits whose work and mission I believe in. I pledge to give at least 10%, but bumping up that percentage to 12-15% if circumstances allow it. I plan to give both to the church I attend as well as organizations who work with youth development and literacy, health, and education.

Fritz Schemel

University of Notre Dame

Fall
2019

I pledge to use my time and skills to promote the common good. Specifically, I hope to use my expertise to help others. I hope to go to law school and will aim to be be a leader in public interest and pro bono efforts. I also pledge to donate a percent of my financial resources in pursuit of the common good.

Fatoumata Ouedrago

Harvard University - Undergraduate

Fall
2019

Ideally, I will be able to dedicate my entire career to philanthropic work and commit my life (or at least part of my life) to public service. However, since as a student I do not have the means or time to give and do everything I would like for the communities I care about, I pledge to volunteer at least once a week and give 5-10% of my income every year. As I become more financially stable and in control of my time, I hope to be able to devote 20%+ of my income and volunteer on a daily basis through my job.