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

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Spring
2025

When I receive a full-time job, I hope to give 10 percent of my income to my Christian organization that will help fund students to participate in conferences, bring in supplies, and support staffs in this organization. I care for my organization here at UW-Madison and I hope that I can continue to support them after college. No matter where I am, I want to be able to support my students and staffs that has helped me grow spiritually and as a leader here at UW-Madison.

Anonymous

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Spring
2025

One of my personal goals is to consistently give around 10% of my income to causes that align with my values. I’m especially passionate about supporting initiatives that promote womenâs health and advance disability inclusion, as I believe in creating a world where everyone has access to the resources and support they need to thrive.

Anonymous

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Spring
2025

My goal is to help Wisconsin-based purpose-driven organizations carry out their impact on a larger scale. I would like to do this by donating 10% of my income to organizations that serve under resourced populations across the state. I specifically hope to make impacts on youth and educational programs to support future generations of philanthropists.

Anonymous

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Spring
2025

Once I am no longer a student, I aim to donate at least 7% of my salary yearly. I will donate to organizations in communities I am a part of and those impacting social welfare and wellbeing. Additionally, I plan to remain an active volunteer in my community; I plan to volunteer at least 5-10 hours a month. As my life changes, I plan to reevaluate and further my giving goals and plans to align with my values, mission statement, financial abilities, and time available.

Anonymous

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Spring
2025

Once I have a full time job, I want to give 5% of my annual income to organizations that do hands-on work with unhoused individuals in my local community. My area of giving might change as I become more knowledgable on different topics. My goal will be to stay knowledgable on the programs and initiatives of the organizations that I fund, either through volunteering or other donor events.

Anonymous

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Spring
2025

My giving goal is to stay committed to helping my community through time and resources. As I move forward in my career, and my income grows, I will give a portion of my income to non-profit of my choice that align with my values. I will also make it a priority to volunteer a few times a year.