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!

De’Asia Donaldson

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Fall
2022

1. I want to spend more time volunteering at grassroots organizations that support rental assistance and provide housing programs for many youths facing homelessness. – Volunteer 1-2 times monthly at Tenet Resource Center 2. I plan on volunteering at Feeding the Youth Thanksgiving Drive on November 24th, 2022

Connor Martin

University of Notre Dame

Fall
2022

I will never work for a for-profit company and instead donate my working career to seek justice for my community

Charlotte Slavin

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Fall
2022

Once I graduate, I pledge to donate 5% of my salary, with the goal of increasing to 10% in the future, to nonprofits that support social justice and education both locally and globally. My goal is to be mindful in selecting these organizations, ensuring they align with my personal philosophy, are effective in their impact and are not at risk of closing down. I also pledge to volunteer once a month or more with a nonprofit.

Carson Newby

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Fall
2022

I will donate 10% of my salary every year to charity. This is because first off I think this is a reasonable percent and also it is what the Bible suggest Christians do. Depending on what my financial situation is in the future I may end up giving more as well.

Brian George

University of Notre Dame

Fall
2022

I pledge to donate at least 5% of my total salary after graduation to local non-profits.

Brendan McEnroe

University of Notre Dame

Fall
2022

Once I graduate, I plan on donating a percentage of my salary every year to organizations dedicated towards settling Middle Eastern refugees in the Northeast.