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

Once I graduate, I aim to donate between 5-10% of my income to charitable causes. I mostly hope to alleviate financial burdens for individuals such as medical debts or donate to causes that I find important.

Anonymous

Harvard University

Spring
2026

When I start making money, I want to give back at least ten percent of my wealth. I especially want to focus on improving education and the American healthcare system.

Anonymous

Harvard University

Spring
2026

In 5, 10, 15, and 20 years from now, I hope to give to create housing for people and women struggling with housing affordability and stability, I hope to support access to health care and help push for long term cultural empathy and policy reform rather than short term relief. I also hope to donate towards projects I find innovative and disruptors in their respective fields.

Anonymous

Harvard University

Spring
2026

Once I am financially independent and beyond stable, I hope to put at least $10,000 over the course of my mid adulthood to women’s health and education.

Anonymous

Harvard University

Spring
2026

I would hope to be in medical school after graduating from undergrad so I don’t think I would have the financial resources to give monetarily but I hope to be giving my time and energy to volunteering in person. Once I am a practicing physician, however, I hope to be giving some of my income to organizations that align with my philosophies and identity.

Anonymous

Harvard University

Spring
2026

I hope to be a good global citizen by caring about some of the world’s issues, contributing through work, launching projects, hosting charity concerts and giving money. I want to also inspire others to give time and attention (and money) towards issues so that we can make the world a better place.