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!

Avery Lemmons

Texas A&M University

Fall
2020

I want to pursue of lifestyle of generosity by cheerfully giving to both my church and towards solving issue areas I am passionate about. To do this, I plan to give 10% of my income to my church and/or church supported missionaries and 5% to other nonprofits. Additionally, I want to volunteer my time each week to serving others for Christ. I also want to remain informed on social issues and actively work to better the world where I can with my time, talent, and treasure.

Austin Gould

Baylor University

Fall
2020

I pledge to give atleast ten percent of my income either to my church or to philanthropic organizations. Furthermore, I hope to serve philanthropic organizations with my time significantly.

Anthony Castrodale

University of Notre Dame

Fall
2020

I pledge to give back the those in need via time, talent and treasure as much as I am resonably able as soon as I am able following graduation.

Anonymous

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Fall
2020

My goal is to donate time and money to nonprofit organizations that work towards reproductive and racial justice. I hope to promote community engagement and equitable opportunities by working with other nonprofit leaders and educators! I want to be surrounded by people who are passionate about changing the world, just like me.

Anonymous

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Fall
2020

My giving goal is to give my time and talent to people in need. Whether that be children, people with disabilities, the homeless, etc. When I am financially stable, this dedication of time may include donations rather than just volunteering my time.

Anonymous

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Fall
2020

I pledge to give time and money to those organizations that have truly changed my life. Susan G Komen and Camp Kesem are two cancer related nonprofits that have impacted my life in a positive way. any extra money I have I will make it an effort to give back. As these organizations have brought my family closer and closer as the years go on.