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!

Anonymous

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Fall
2020

I pledge to give my time, talent, and treasure to support nonprofit organizations that work on issues I care about. I will volunteer with local, community based NPOs for 5 hours every month to support my community in various ways. I will also donate 5% of my income to NPOs that work on issues I cannot directly volunteer with like the environment and endangered animals.

Anonymous

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Fall
2020

I pledge to give my time and talent to a nonprofit organization that aligns with my values at least three times a year.

Anonymous

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Fall
2020

I pledge to give my support, time, and attention to nonprofit organizations in my local area that focus on issues that I am specifically passionate about. I plan to volunteer for a minimum of 5 hours a month at local NPOs. Additionally, I pledge to donate 5% of my annual income, once I graduate, to organizations that are more difficult for me to volunteer hands on.

Anonymous

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Fall
2020

I pledge to give 10% of my income to organizations that I think are doing necessary work in a sustainable way.

Anonymous

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Fall
2020

I pledge to donate my time and money to support nonprofit organizations that work towards education and health equity. I pledge to volunteer with nonprofit organizations in my community every month and donate 5% of my annual income once in a stable job.

Anonymous

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Fall
2020

I pledge to donate my ability, my time, and money to help people and organizations that align with my values and beliefs. I will increase the amount of money that I donate as my salary increases so that it is a constant percentage. I will hopefully get to the point where I can go back to my hometown and help provide athletic equipment and school supplies to kids who may not be in the position to get their own.