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!

James Jobe

Cornell University

Fall
2025

My giving goal is to stay engaged with organizations working on food insecurity in the Ithaca area and to contribute in ways that are consistent and meaningful. I hope to build habits now that will make philanthropy a regular part of my life after graduation. Over time I want to increase both my financial support and my hands-on involvement as my career develops.

Jada Braun

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Fall
2025

My giving goal is to start donating at least 2% of my income post-law school graduation to nonprofits contributing to environmental justice, women’s rights, and any other causes that I find worthy. As I become more financially stable, I hope to increase this amount. I also hope to be able to contribute legal advice or expertise to nonprofits by sitting on at least one board in my life. When I retire, I want to spend a lot of my time giving back to my community through talent and/or treasure.

Jacqui Weinberg

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Fall
2025

Once I graduate, my giving goal will be to begin volunteering at 1-2 nonprofit organizations regularly. Once I start making a steady income, I will begin to donate money as well to these nonprofit organizations. I will decide what nonprofits once I settle into the city I will live post-graduate.

Jacqueline Romano

New York University

Fall
2025

My giving goal is to give a minimum of 10% of my earnings away every year!

Jacob Ciesielski

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Fall
2025

My goal is to start donating in my first year of my career by regularly contributing to a nonprofit that supports youth sports. I plan to donate 1% of my salary and commit to volunteering with the organization bi-weekly. I always enjoyed playing sports and being outdoors, so I would love the opportunity to give back and help kids have the same chance to be active while having the proper equipment, games, and toys. My hope is to advance in my career so that I can donate more over the years and make the greatest possible impact.

Isabelle Johnson

Cornell University

Fall
2025

My giving goal is to give a 3-10% of my annual income to philanthropic initiatives. I want to do extensive research on non-profits throughout the communities I live in throughout my life and help support a diversified size and mission of non profit organizations.