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!

Anonymous

Harvard University

Spring
2026

My goal will be to give up 7% of my annual income assuming that the remaining 93% is enough to cover my own physiological needs. #putyourownoxygenmaskonbeforehelpingothers

Anonymous

Harvard University

Spring
2026

15% of my income at any given moment

Anonymous

Harvard University

Spring
2026

My giving goal is to start my non-profit. Project for the Youth. My non-profit is intended to target school districts that reside in low-income communities to provide mentorship support, resources, and workshops that students may not have access to in order to help them succeed beyond the classroom. Many students do not have access to post high school support. They may not know that there is trade school, community college etc. This non-profit is intended to help that. I also want to look into policy research and budget actions that may or may not benefit low-income communities in regards to education.

Anonymous

Harvard University

Spring
2026

I would like to dedicate my time to defending human rights and human experiences, through pursuing a career in non-governmental organizations or the legal sphere. By pursuing this career, my goal is to work towards positive social change full-time.

Anonymous

Harvard University

Spring
2026

I hope to give 10% of my income to charitable causes once I make over 6 figures. I also hope to carry around cash every day and occasionally give to anyone who needs it.

Anonymous

Harvard University

Spring
2026

I would like to give to causes that have genuine interest and impact on myself and the world. I will contribute both monetarily and with personal advice from my career and experiences. I will look to contribute across many different verticals and pillars of life whether it be environmental, political, or social change.