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

I would like to give 5% of my salary to organizations that support women’s & LGBTQ+ right across the globe, but especially here in the US.

Anonymous

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Spring
2025

In my future I see myself giving back through various means of donation. This means I want to donate any available money I have to social justice causes that align with my values. This may be locally or nationally, and will vary based on cause. I want to donate my time and volunteer for events and organizations that I find are doing good work in the community. More generally I also want to be an active member in my community and local politics, as well as spending my money intentionally.

Anonymous

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Spring
2025

I would like to pledge at least 5% of my future income to philanthropic purposes. After critically engaging in our work in this course and with the organizations we have awarded grants, I found that the donated funds have a much deeper meaning and impact, not only with myself, but with the gratitude and pride I feel for the organizations. I wish to be a part of the organizationâs community and give in ways of my time and talent in addition to monetary giving. I hope to give my time, talent and treasure to groups working to protect and preserve the environment and those who are addressing systemic issues through building trust and relationships.

Anonymous

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Spring
2025

My goal is to allocate at least 5% of my annual income towards initiatives and organizations that support youth sports and activities alike. Athletics and sports provide young children with a sense of belonging and the ability to grow important life skills such as determination, perseverance, hard work, and teamwork. Although sports were the main focal point of my life for a long time, I also come from a family where extracurriculars were non-negotiable, so I would also like to see theatre, music, and arts programs get adequate funding as well. Thank you Philanthropy Lab for providing me with the insights and experience to begin my own philanthropic journey!

Anonymous

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Spring
2025

I hope to donate 10% of what I earn to the nonprofit organization called Hope Worldwide. This group has inspired me with the work they do to help people in need, and I want to be part of that impact. As I grow in my career and hopefully earn more, I want my giving to grow too. Whether itâs through money, time, or skills, I want to give in any way I can. No matter what stage of life Iâm in, I want to be someone who gives generously and joyfully.

Anonymous

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Spring
2025

My goal is to volunteer regularly throughout my adult life and raise money/awareness for causes that are important to me, especially children battling cancer and their families.