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 info@thephilanthropylab.org

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!

Anonymous

University of Pennsylvania

Spring
2025

Once I pay off all my loans I will be giving a higher percentage of my salary. Right now we give away 10% of net as a household.

Anonymous

University of Pennsylvania

Spring
2025

1. Support students in developing hands-on experience in philanthropy by funding impactful, student-led grant-making initiatives. 2. Identify and provide financial resources to nonprofits demonstrating measurable impact and sustainability in addressing critical social issues.

Anonymous

University of Pennsylvania

Spring
2025

I would like to provide nonprofit organizations with a steady stream of income each year when I have a great job. Roughly around 5-10% .

Anonymous

University of Pennsylvania

Spring
2025

goal

Anonymous

University of Pennsylvania

Spring
2025

I want to make regular monthly or bi-monthly donations to a nonprofit foundation that focuses on providing support for minority groups, women, and sheltered animals. – I want to participate in at least one volunteering event per year that focuses on supporting the local community I live in.

Anonymous

University of Pennsylvania

Spring
2025

My giving goal is to support initiatives that address poverty, promote the arts, improve education in underserved areas, and advance womenâs health. I aim to contribute both financially and through direct engagement to programs that empower individuals, provide access to essential resources, and create opportunities for long-term change. In the future, I envision funding or collaborating with organizations that bridge systemic gaps in poverty alleviation and education, particularly in rural and economically disadvantaged communities. Additionally, I hope to support artistic expression as a tool for empowerment and healing and advocate for womenâs healthcare access and reproductive rights.