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!

Alexis Jansen

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Fall
2021

I pledge to use my degree in Community and Nonprofit Leadership to pursue a philanthropic career and impact the community in a positive way. I will also make sure to give to two charitable organizations per year.Â

Alexander Neimon

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Fall
2021

After I start work on my career, I pledge to donate a minimum of 1,000 a year to charitable organizations that pursue strategies for change on capacity building and leadership training. This is a meaningful investment for me as a philanthropist as I am donating funds that flourish self-growth and development, a lack of which being the root cause for much of the disparities humanity is facing. Empowering the industry of capacity building and leadership training for the vulnerable will enhance strengths, improve mental health, and heal relationships.

Alejandra Rodriguez

University of Notre Dame

Fall
2021

I pledge to give a certain percent of my income to charity each year, increasing this percentage as I advance in my career and begin to make a greater salary. Furthermore, I pledge to participate in community service on a monthly basis.

Adriely Costa

University of Notre Dame

Fall
2021

I pledge to dedicate 10 hours a year to do service and voluntary work in the local community I will be living in.

Abe Fleischman

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Fall
2021

I pledge to do my part to make a difference in the world. Whether that means through giving a percentage of my income or through donating my time and effort, I plan on finding my way to make a difference.

Will Weaver

Vanderbilt University

Spring
2021

I would like to give at least $5,000 a year to charitable organizations, and more to local sustainability or conservation efforts. This will begin once I have a steady salary that allows for such. Until then, one-time smaller donations and volunteering are more important. I would also like to volunteer weekly after I leave college.