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!

ANN Dang

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Fall
2019

I pledge to give my time, support, and donate to nonprofit organizations that support causes that I find important and both impactful and sustainable. Many nonprofits are foundations for many communities and give opportunities to people and pathways for systemic change so it’s important to support organizations that will benefit us and our future.

Andrew Oestreicher

Washington University In St. Louis

Fall
2019

I pledge to give at least 3.6% of my income to non-profit organizations which missions I believe deeply in, contingent upon the financial situation to do so.

Alexandra Murg

University of Notre Dame

Fall
2019

I plan to give at least 10% of my annual income to various local charities and organizations. Along with that, I hope to spend time each week volunteering and working directly with the communities that I am trying to help financially.

Alexandra Greengrass

Tulane University

Fall
2019

I plan to give 10% of my income to organizations working toward justice reform and breaking down the prison industrial complex. Regardless of what career path I choose, I pledge to spend my life boosting marginalized voices and supporting justice-seeking community initiatives.

Adrian Varela

University of Notre Dame

Fall
2019

My giving goal is to actively pursue a career in which I’m dedicating most of my time, if not all, working towards the common good. Whether it’s the private sector, public sector or non-profit world, I hope to give my time and energy to projects that are focused on helping good causes like fighting wealth inequality, eliminating poverty traps, etc.

Abigail Campbell

University of Notre Dame

Fall
2019

I plan on giving 2.5% of my annual net income to philanthropic causes until I pay off my student loans. After this, I will increase my annual giving to 5% of my net income. Additionally, I will volunteer at least 25 hours annually at a local non-profit. Further, I plan on being an active member in philanthropic organizations in my community, eventually serving on the boards of organizations later in my career.