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!

Ashleigh Anema

Baylor University

Spring
2026

My giving goal is to honor God through faithful stewardship and intentional generosity. I am committed to tithing consistently as an act of obedience, gratitude, and trust in God’s provision. One of my priorities is sponsoring children in developing countries, helping provide support for their education, health, and future opportunities. Beyond structured giving, I want to approach my finances with open hands, remaining willing to make sacrifices to meet needs, support important causes, and invest in lasting impact. My hope is that generosity becomes a lifelong discipline that shapes both how I give and how I live.

Jose Sebastian Regalado

Columbia University

Spring
2026

My giving goal is to volunteer at a non-profit organization at least 1 time per month and to donate at least $100 per year to a charitable cause. I’m being conservative with my goals because I’m very unsure of my financial future but nonetheless, I still want to still be involved in giving back to organizations. As my financial situation improves, I hope to update these goals to make even more impact in my communities.

Tanesha Renee Golding

Columbia University

Spring
2026

A lifetime of giving rather than a number on philanthropy.

Romy Artinshten

Columbia University

Spring
2026

My giving goal is to be intentional, consistent, and impact-driven in how I contribute my resources and time. I want to move beyond occasional or emotional giving and instead commit to supporting causes that create long-term, meaningful change especially in areas like access to healthcare, education, and community support. Financially, I aim to dedicate a fixed percentage of my income to philanthropy, increasing it over time as my capacity grows. I want to support organizations that are transparent, well-managed, and guided by a clear theory of change. Rather than spreading my contributions too widely, I hope to focus on a smaller number of organizations where I can have a deeper and more sustained impact.

Apolline Ancel

Columbia University

Spring
2026

My current vision of how I wish to give of myself and my resources in the future stands in three different pillars. First, I would like to give at least 10 hours of volunteering a month to give my time to people, especially during the weekends and to find community. Second of all, I would like to give my time and potentially monetary resources when I can to the communities that are close to me but that the system in which I am has affected them. For example, as a student at Columbia University, I would like to continue giving to nonprofits that are Harlem-based and who support people struggling with poverty. Third pillar would be to give my time or monetary resources to organizations that utilize a comprehensive model, tackling the different barriers that block people from finding more stable and happy life conditions.

Susan Montague

Columbia University

Spring
2026

I aim to give a consistent percentage of my income throughout my life and to increase that percentage as my financial capacity grows. I also hope to stay involved beyond financial contributions by being engaged with the organizations I support and making thoughtful, informed decisions about where I give.