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!

Eugenia Salinas

University of Notre Dame

Fall
2019

I pledge to volunteer and work directly with local nonprofits in my free time, with the goal of one day being part of a nonprofit board. I also plan to donate financially to organizations and charitable causes, increasing the yearly amount when my income after graduation allows me to do so.

Eugene Oh

Harvard University - Undergraduate

Fall
2019

I pledge to give my time, effort, and resources to causes that better our society and help the most vulnerable people living in it. I hope for a society in which my contributions become unnecessary due to an increased quality of life for all and an equitable world to live in. Until, then I will try my best to do my part in helping us get there.

Emily Stegmeier

Washington University In St. Louis

Fall
2019

I pledge to invest my time towards helping organizations whose missions I align with. I will give money on a monthly basis.

Emilly Fan

Harvard University - Undergraduate

Fall
2019

I pledge to dedicate my career to sustainable development, most likely in the environmental sector. I will work to improve the wellbeing of people through initiatives that will benefit the world. I pledge to always evaluate how I can both optimise and maximise my impact, either through my career and/or donating a portion of my income. When donating money to organisations, I will conduct research into which organisation will best utilise this donation in effectively making an improvement in the focus area.

Elizabeth Waggoner

Washington University In St. Louis

Fall
2019

I pledge to give a minimum of 5% of my income to nonprofits, with that number increasing over time. With this, I plan to take the time to research nonprofits in my community and spend time thinking about how I want to give my money. I also pledge to have some sort of involvement with a non profit in my community, whether that be volunteering or, at some point, being a board member.

Elise Drott

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Fall
2019

I pledge to give 5% of my net income to a non-profit organization annually, before the 1st of January every year.