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

$5/month immediately post grad

Anonymous

Harvard University

Spring
2026

My giving goal is more aligned with that of Lynn& Wisely’s tradition of mutual aid. I really like the idea of reciprocal support within communities â€“ of showing up for the same communities that have shaped and sustained me. Like a lot of the readings in class, a lot of giving is tied to one’s connection to the cause they’re donating to, and for me, that looks like giving to causes such as educational inequity back home in the Philippines! One day, I hope to give back meaningfully to the schools and communities that have enriched my life and made my journey possible.

Anonymous

Harvard University

Spring
2026

I hope in 5 years, I donate 1-2% annually of my income to some charity or good cause -whether that be at church, to a nonprofit, or volunteering an equal amount for some cause. I hope this percentage increases as my income increases, as is appropriate – I think effective altruism would probably suggest that I could donate more than is comfortable – I think it’s fair to say I don’t need to donate entirely that much, but it’s a good reminder that I HAVE the money- it’s just a matter of WANTING to donate. Hopefully in 20 years, I will be able to donate a few thousand every year.

Anonymous

Harvard University

Spring
2026

I want to donate to different charities in the fields I am interested in: immediate care, mental health support, access to resources and arts and humanities.

Anonymous

Harvard University

Spring
2026

I plan to give 2% of what I make to something meaningful (saying if i make any money). I hope to give my time as well.

Anonymous

Harvard University

Spring
2026

My giving goal is to volunteer at least once a week at a local organization after graduation.