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!

Maggie Konig

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Fall
2022

I plan to volunteer at least 15 hours of my time per month at a local nonprofit that addresses a cause that I am passionate about (support for Veterans, animal welfare, supporting BIPOC community members, etc.). After obtaining a job and becoming settled in my career, I plan to donate a portion of my yearly earnings towards a nonprofit that I am connected with (likely the nonprofit(s) that I regularly volunteer at). As my income increases, I will reevaluate to ensure that the portion I donate increases as well.

Madeline Biagi

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Fall
2022

I would like to volunteer at least once a month at a local organization. I would like to donate 5% of my income to nonprofits that aim at helping children with disabilities. I will begin this within the first five years of getting a job and a steady income. I also want to stay educated about local nonprofits and advocate for the ones I am passionate about.

Lauren Etti

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Fall
2022

I will give at least 2% of my income to African-led non-profits. Resources and passing opportunities will also be included in my goal.

Kyra Adrian

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Fall
2022

I will donate 10% of my income to different charities and NPOs including to my church and other organizations that support causes I am passionate about. Additionally, I will volunteer at least 100 hours a year.

Kendall Ahern

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Fall
2022

I will volunteer a minimum of 30 hours per year at various places of need in my community. I will also donate 5% or more of my annual income to charitable causes around my community.

Kelly Fagin

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Fall
2022

My goal is to volunteer at least 60 hours of my time each year to organizations that works towards causes I support. I would like for these organizations to be ones that help support my local community, and the greater global community. Additionally, once I have a stable income after collage, I would like to donate 5% of my annual income to different nonprofit organizations.