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!

Anam Sabine Terra

Stanford University

Spring
2025

I am committed to building a life that is representative of my values. I wish to pursue meaningful career and extracurricular activities that serve myself and my broader community.

Yahir Ramirez

Harvard University

Spring
2025

The giving goal is to be able to make an impactful contribution to an organization, to a part that is in most dire need. Many organizations allocate funds, but sometimes don’t have enough resources to tackle every single issue they need to. I want to be altruistic but I want to make sure my money is going in for the right reasons.

ToÃ±o Mendez

Harvard University

Spring
2025

In the future, I hope to give back to the communities that have shaped me, inlcuding low-income communities, first-generation college students, Latino and LGBTQ+ organizations. These spaces have provided me with identity, resilience, and opportunities, and I want to ensure others receive the same support, especially support that I wish or wished I had. Whether through financial contributions, volunteering, or mentorship, I aim to motivate those navigating similar challenges. As I grow, my ability to give may change, but my commitment to these communities will remain. Revisiting this vision years from now will remind me of the values and experiences that drive me to give meaningfully.

Summer Smentek

Harvard University

Spring
2025

My giving goal is to dedicate my career to working in ecology and wildlife conservation, with the intention of working with non-profits for most, if not all, of my career. I pledge to give back in ways that align with my values, through my career, volunteering, and advocacy.

Roxy Hreb

Harvard University

Spring
2025

5% of income straight out of college; 10% in 10 years

Anonymous

Harvard University

Spring
2025

In the future I hope to give my own time to help organizations that align with my views. This can be working as a volunteer during pop-up events or volunteering with free clinics to provide healthcare to communities that are in the most need.