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

Vanderbilt University

Spring
2025

I want to give a small percentage of my salary every year like from 3%-5%, but I really want to volunteer a lot.

Anonymous

Vanderbilt University

Spring
2025

Total, $100,000 in my lifetime

Anonymous

Vanderbilt University

Spring
2025

My goal is to give intentionally through both my time and my income to causes that promote access, equity, and human dignity. I hope to commit at least 10% of my income to nonprofits that work across education, healthcare, and climate resilience, particularly those led by people from the communities they serve. I also want to volunteer consistently, whether by offering professional skills or simply showing up where needed. Over time, I expect my focus to evolve, but I want to stay rooted in generosity, humility, and a belief that thoughtful giving can create meaningful change.

MIREYA NAYELI ESPARZA

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Spring
2025

In 5 years I will donate 5-7% of annual income In 10 years I will donate 10% of annual income In 15 years I will create or contribute to a lasting fund In 20 years I will donate I will lead or influence community wealth-building

Corey Walker

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Spring
2025

My giving goal is to donate at least 500-1000 dollars a year towards programs centered around kids in need to help out with their future. I will also donate my time to helping inspire kids through the game of football by coaching little league football. My goal is to help inspire kids to love the game of football like I did as a kid, which ended up creating so many opportunities for me.

CHARLES PERKINS

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Spring
2025

My goal is to give back to the YOUTH each year by sharing my time, talents, or what I have with others. Even small acts of kindness can make a big difference, and I want to help make the world a better place in my own way.”,,Every 2 Years,I agree to allow The Philanthropy Lab to send me a reminder email regarding my Giving Goal in 5