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

Donate 5% of my income to charities that I deem significant. I will prioritize relief and saving lives.

Anonymous

Harvard University

Spring
2026

15% of income till 2036, then 20%. The majority of my wealth once retired.

Anonymous

Harvard University

Spring
2026

My lifetime giving goal is to donate to nonprofit organizations I deeply care about, including education, racial equity, homelessness, and women in sports. I will do this by donating my time, money, and experience to these causes. I aim to give at least 10% of my income. However, the majority of this giving will occur when I am steady in my career.

Anonymous

Harvard University

Spring
2026

Depending on my salary and life circumstances, my goal is to give a few hundred to a few thousand dollars a year. I hope that I give to organizations that are proven and effective in either combating systemic inequality or improving quality of life and health outcomes internationally and domestically (medical access, education, nutrition development, essential service/product provision, etc.). In 5-10 years, I hope to be giving around 3% of my salary at minimum. Doing my best ot donate regularly to a select few organizations that matter to me. Hopefully, that percentage can be raised to about 7.5% depending on my circumstances.

Anonymous

Harvard University

Spring
2026

I hope to give more toward educational advancement opportunities.

Anonymous

Harvard University

Spring
2026

In the future I hope to persue a career in pro-bono work or public service, and donate 5% of my income if I make above $60,000 a year