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

Universidad del Sagrado Corazon

Spring
2025

I want to support organizations depending on what I can at the moment, so that in this way I can feel that I am contributing a grain of sand, at the very least, to make or build a better Puerto Rico.

Anonymous

Universidad del Sagrado Corazon

Spring
2025

A specific objective of this course is to analyze and apply effective management and financing strategies in nonprofit organizations, with the goal of strengthening their sustainability and capacity for social impact. Through the study of real-life cases and the implementation of practical tools, students are expected to develop skills to identify funding sources, optimize internal management, and design programs aligned with the institutional mission.

Anonymous

Universidad del Sagrado Corazon

Spring
2025

My goal is to donate a portion of my paycheck at least once a month to a charity of my choice that aligns with my values as well as participate in volunteer work within my community. I hope to cultivate a consistent habit of active social engagement no matter my financial situation at any given time.

Anonymous

Universidad del Sagrado Corazon

Spring
2025

Dedicate 100 hours each year to volunteering in communities through art education, museum outreach, refugee or youth programs or cultural events.

Anonymous

Universidad del Sagrado Corazon

Spring
2025

My giving goal is to give away 5% of my annual salary to organizations and/or entities of my choice.

Stephanie McCarthy

Texas Christian University

Spring
2025

I commit to giving 7% of my income to a variety of nonprofits, in addition to faithfully tithing to my local church. While I am in graduate school, I pledge to give generously of my time to local organizations, and I look forward to increasing my financial contributions once I have a consistent income. Each month, I will set aside 7% of my salary in a dedicated account, intentionally using these funds to support churches, philanthropies, and organizations I have thoughtfully researched and believe in. I am devoted to living a life marked by generosity- of both time and resources- and I hope to inspire others, especially younger generations to do the same. My desire is to cultivate a lifestyle of giving that overflows into the lives of those around me, particularly my family and friends. Ultimately, I recognize that nothing I have is truly mine. Everything I possess is a gift from God, and it is my joy and responsibility to steward His blessings for His glory.