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 is to donate 5% of my salary to help those dealing with food insecurity. My goal is to increase that to 10% in the future and after that I will reevaluate every five years and change my giving goal accordingly. I would also like to volunteer a little bit of my time and give 10-15 hours a month.

Anonymous

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Spring
2023

In the future, I want to donate 10% of my salary towards non-profits that provides support to family and children in underserved communities. Specifically, non-profits with initiatives towards equitable access to healthcare and education. In addition, when I graduate from law school, I want to contribute at least 50 hours/year of pro bono free services. Accessibility to these services is important in equity in the legal system.

Anonymous

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Spring
2023

im expecting for my giving goal to change as I get older. After college my goal is to try and volunteer once a month, and donate every few months, even if its a small amount of money. As I become more financially stable, I plan to increase the amount or frequency of my donations. I would want to donate to/volunteer with a non-profit in my area that helps woman and children in my community.

Anonymous

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Spring
2023

I will give at least $200 per year to an organization dedicated to making tangible, community-centered change. I am currently focused on health-focused organizations, but this may change in the future.

Anonymous

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Spring
2023

I pledge to give roughly 5% of my income, when able, to nonprofits supporting those with disabilities. I hope to be able to increase that number when Im in a position to do so. I already work with two different organizations supporting those with disabilities, Best Buddies and The Ability Experience.

Anonymous

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Spring
2023

I pledge to give 5% of my post graduate salary to different philanthropy organizations in the area. I would like to give that 5% salary to local philanthropy organizations in order to help bring up people in my area. Not only would I like to donate 5% but I would like to also volunteer for different organizations that I contribute to. I believe time is just as if not more valuable than money to these organizations.