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
2019

Once financially stable, I pledge to give 10% of my annual income to nonprofit organizations who’s missions and work line up with my personal interests, values, and passions. I also pledge to donate my time to these organizations to support them other ways than just financially.

Anonymous

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Fall
2019

My ultimate goal in life is to raise a family and cultivate the values of curiosity, love, and kindness within my children. Therefore, I pledge to donate 10% of my salary, and once I have children, allow them to disperse the 10% where they believe is most beneficial. This will give my children the opportunity to learn about philanthropy and the importance of giving.

Anonymous

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Fall
2019

My giving goal is to spend my life working within the nonprofit sector or working with the nonprofit sector to maximize the true potential that exists within current and future organizations. I will work to address current issues within the sector to create an inclusive, effective, and impactful space. I pledge to educate others on how to include these aspects within their own giving goals.

Anonymous

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Fall
2019

My giving goal is to donate at least 8 hours every month to an organization that I am passionate about that is based in my community. In addition, I pledge to donate 10% of my income to a cause or organization whose values and mission line up with my personal beliefs.

Anonymous

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Fall
2019

I vow to spend my entire life working to dismantle systems of oppression and white supremacy, while spreading infinite love and joy with everyone I am able.

Anonymous

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Fall
2019

I pledge to give of my time, effort, and talent to organizations that are seeking to truly serve and protect the dignity of humans. I plan to do this by being a missionary my first two years after graduation, and then taking this and continuing to serve and live life on mission where ever I am for the rest of my life.