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!

Evan KOCH

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Fall
2023

Creating a giving goal involves identifying my core values, assessing available resources, and setting specific, adaptable objectives. It connects my present ideals with my future actions and serves as a roadmap for meaningful and impactful giving. With that being said, my goal is to focus primarily on education and poverty alleviation. Realistically, I can dedicate my time, money, and effort to both of these social issues and hopefully see positive change. As a college student, my resources are limited, but my passion and commitment can have a significant impact.

Emma Neumann

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Fall
2023

I would like to donate 5% of my income every couple months to help people in need. The donation of money is important to me but volunteering my time is also important. I plan on going into a career that is focused around nonprofit so I will be volunteering/working in that department a lot.

Emily Fitterer

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Fall
2023

After I am done with school, my giving goal is to give 10% of my income every year to organizations that align with significant social challenges relevant to the world. In addition to giving through finances, I want to give my time to volunteer with local organizations and have my family be involved as well.

Emily Barrett

University of Notre Dame

Fall
2023

i hope to volunteer weekly as an adult. the first year or two following college i hope to volunteer a year to a program similar to the jesuit volunteer corp. i will donate money if possible when older as well.

Ella Ducharme

Vanderbilt University

Fall
2023

I plan to be philanthropic to the organizations that have helped me in my personal and professional journies as a young woman.

Elizabeth Hale

University of Notre Dame

Fall
2023

I will donate at least 10%of my income to charities.