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

Harvard University

Spring 2026

when making a stable, reliable salary, donate at least $1000 a year and volunteer at least once every other month

Anonymous

University of Texas - MBA

Spring 2026

5% of my salary

Anonymous

University of Washington

Spring 2026

In the future I want to donate 10% of my income to international communities where the impact of my dollar will make the most impact. I also want to volunteer in my local community and get really involved in organizations that align strongly with my beliefs and desires to make the world a better place.

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.

Anonymous

Boston University

Spring 2026

I would like to consistently give a portion of my income to organizations of significant meaning to me. I want to do the most good as I can in the communities that surround me.

CAMILA RIVERA VEGA

Universidad del Sagrado Corazon

Spring 2026

My goal is to support organizations that share my core values and impact communities near me. I want to commit my time on a yearly basis to support them and encourage those around me to participate in activities that will benefit the third sector.