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!

Mohammad Ibrahim

Vanderbilt University

Spring
2026

TBD based on the income I earn by that projected time.

Isaiah Fontan

Vanderbilt University

Spring
2026

I want to be someone who doesn’t just succeed, but reaches back. Not in a performative way, not just when it’s convenient, but consistently. I want to give my time, my energy, and my resources to people and communities that don’t always get poured into. Especially people who remind me of where I started. I don’t need it to look perfect or be tied to one specific cause. I just want to be present, to show up, and to make things a little easier for someone else. Whether that’s mentorship, opportunities, or simply being someone who listens and cares. If I can look back and see that I didn’t forget where I came from, that I helped open doors instead of just walking through them, that’s enough for me.

Anonymous

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Spring
2026

Once I am employed post-grad, my giving goal is to donate 10% of my annual income. My goal is to donate to environmental causes and to the Bahamas Humane Society. I also hope to donate my time to volunteering for local causes that make a difference in my community.

Anonymous

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Spring
2026

Going forward, I would like to donate my time to organizations that align with my personal values. I want to actively work to make a difference. I would like to dedicate a few hours a month to a local organization that positively impacts my community. Community is important to me, so I strive to uplift the individuals and families around me.

Anonymous

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Spring
2026

My giving goal is to intentionally support organizations that align with my deepest passions and values, focusing on causes where I feel personally connected and called to serve. I will prioritize contributions that create measurable, meaningful impact rather than spreading my resources too thin. By researching and consistently investing in mission driven organizations, I aim to make a lasting difference in the communities and issues I care about most.

Anonymous

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Spring
2026

I pledge to give through my career and pursue a career as a social worker as well as continuing my volunteer work with nonprofits and my own. I hope to support students in expanding access to experiential learning through my own nonprofit. In my own personal life I would like to adopt because I was adopted and am very grateful to have been given that experience. Finally, I will set up a Roth IRA to support myself, my children and the community by continually planning for a successful financial future of giving.