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

Texas Christian University

Spring
2025

My giving goal is to give both my time and money for the rest of my life. Specifically, I will begin tithing my income to give away to different non-profits throughout the year. I also will devote my time to non-profits of my choosing. Throughout this semester, I have realized my passion for education and justice for women and children, so I will aim to support these missions further.

Anonymous

Texas Christian University

Spring
2025

Once I start my full-time job, my giving goal is to tithe a portion of my income, alongside giving my time. Through this, I believe that I will have a diverse giving experience that will allow me to expand my knowledge and perspective on the needs of others. Ultimately, I hope to make a meaningful impact.

Anonymous

Texas Christian University

Spring
2025

I pledge to set aside a minimum of 10% of my income in a separate account for giving.

Anonymous

Texas Christian University

Spring
2025

My goal is to tithe 10 percent of my income once I have a full-time position. Through this tithe, I will use my money to do good and give to those charities I see a need in and have a passion for. In addition, In honor of my Grandfather’s memory, I plan to continue supporting the Alzheimer’s Association and raise money through hosting a walk page each year. Until I have my own income, I will continue to donate my time to organizations that their need volunteerism. I would like to spend a minimum of one day a month with an organization volunteering.

Anonymous

Texas Christian University

Spring
2025

I want to dedicate myself to stewarding my resources with purpose, beginning with a 10% tithe to my church and expanding to 20% of my income as my career flourishes. Beyond financial giving, I will commit to weekly church service while also cultivating additional volunteer opportunities that resonate with what I’m passionate about. I want to share my legal education to empower non-profits and intentionally model a legacy of generosity for my future children, instilling in them not just the importance of giving, but the profound joy that comes from serving others with an open heart and hands.

Anonymous

Texas Christian University

Spring
2025

After graduation, I plan to pledge 10% of my annual income to support causes I am deeply passionate about. These include advancing literacy initiatives and expanding educational and developmental programs for children and adults with learning and developmental disabilities.