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

1. Post-graduation, I will find a local nonprofit organization that aligns with my personal morals, values, and priorities to consistently and regularly volunteer with. 2. Donate at least 5%-10% of my annual income to organizations doing work in areas I am passionate about, especially causes I am not able to be as hands-on with. 3. Continue educating myself on local issues, making sure to stay up to date on how I can help the causes closest to me.

Anonymous

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Spring
2023

1. I intend to begin giving 5% of my income a year to organizations that support youth development and empowerment. 2. I intend to become more intentional with my giving; matching my giving with my personal values and passions. 3. I intend to give more of my time to organizations that I find are creating long lasting impact for the youth in my community.

Anonymous

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Spring
2023

1. Donate quarterly to a local nonprofit that has the greatest need. This will be a different value each time. 2. Volunteer monthly in my community at local nonprofits. 3. Donate clothes multiple times a year to local nonprofits in need.

Anonymous

University of Washington

Spring
2023

Upon graduation from law school, I plan to donate 10% of my yearly income to local and international non-profits. Each year I will evaluate the organizations and missions that I seek to support. I will also re-evaluate the percentage of my income that I will donate with the hope to double my contributions in the future. I plan on pursuing a career in human rights law and will dedicate the entirety of my career to aiding and advocating for vulnerable populations.

Anonymous

University of Washington

Spring
2023

My goal is to consistently give 15% of my income. I am giving 10% locally and want to stretch myself to make some personal sacrifices in order to support causes internationally.

Anonymous

University of Washington

Spring
2023

I want to always remain aware of my privilege and use that awareness to motive philanthropy in my own life. Giving the greatest amount of good to the largest number of people should guide my career path and extracurricular volunteering. I pledge to begin to give 5% of my income away, after finishing paying off my student loans.