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!

Anonymous

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Spring
2023

My giving goal upon graduation is to: 1. Donate to an organization through a personal gift or by supporting a fundraiser 3 times a year. I will have no minimum or maximum donation amount. The donation must be intentional and go to a socially innovative organization. 2. I will support at least two local organization yearly with my time and participation. I think it is important to actually get out into the community and work with the organizations in my area. At least one of these organizations I must build a lasting relationship with and give my time on a regular basis.

Anonymous

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Spring
2023

My giving goal is to volunteer for ten hours a month to a nonprofit organization that I am passionate about until I graduate from college. Then, I would like to donate 5% of my yearly income to a large nonprofit as well as volunteer 5 hours a month to a local organization.

Anonymous

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Spring
2023

My giving goal is to support nonprofit organizations centered around social justice. I pledge to donate whatever money I can whenever possible. I understand that my financial situation will likely change year to year, so I have chosen to hold myself accountable to give an amount of money that reflects my annual giving potential. Additionally, I vow to volunteer at nonprofit organizations at a minimum of once a month. Time is a factor that I can control, so I will make volunteering a regular part of my schedule. I want to form relationships with local nonprofits organizations and be a volunteer that they can count on! I plan to reevaluate my giving goal annually and make changes as I see fit.

Anonymous

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Spring
2023

My giving goal is to pledge 10% of my income towards those in need, and causes that take action to love people, and promote the dignity of the human person. Although Im currently unable to find extra time to volunteer, I hope to find a cause that I can delve into by volunteering at some point as well!

Anonymous

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Spring
2023

My giving goal is to participate and involve myself in organizations that align with my values. I also would love to use my time working and serving the community. I believe that working with the community and making an impact on peoples lives is such a passion of mine because there are some figures in my life that have done that for me and I would like to carry that tradition. My goal is donate at least 5% of my salary to nonprofit organizations.

Anonymous

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Spring
2023

My giving goal is to give/donate to either a charity organization or find a non-profit immigration organization to give back. While doing my research in see which one fits better. I would give at least $10-$15 every month if possible. Or if that doesnt work my second giving goal would be to also try to give back to my church every Sunday at least $5. To see my church thrive and get reconstructed due to being old/give back to my community.