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

I pledge to give my time to organizations that align with my values through volunteering and throughout my career. I pledge to give at least 5% of my annual income to organizations that align with my values and then one able, increasing that to 10% of my annual income

Anonymous

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Fall
2019

I pledge to give my time to fight for greater equality under the law and to give my resources to organizations that have made an impact on my life.

Anonymous

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Fall
2019

I pledge to give at least 5% of my annual income to organizations that I believe in, as well as volunteer my time as often as possible, at least 10 hours each month.

Anonymous

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Fall
2019

I pledge to donate at least four to eight hours a month to serving my community. I also plan to contribute financially to the organizations that have created unforgettable memories throughout my life.

Anonymous

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Fall
2019

I pledge to dedicate my career to fighting to help those who can’t fight for themselves as well as striving to improve our world for the future. I also pledge to give various means of service (financial, time, or support) to different nonprofits that align with my values and passions. I hope to leave a real impact on my community and pass on these traits to my family and those around me.

Anonymous

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Fall
2019

I plan to eventually work for an organization that focuses on LGBTQ+ issues. I also pledge to donate my time and money to other LGBTQ+ organizations as well as organizations that focus on racial justice, immigration, women’s equality, and other social justice initiatives that focus on support for marginalized identities.