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

Vanderbilt University

Fall
2018

I want to give 5% of my annual income AND volunteer once a week.

Anonymous

Vanderbilt University

Fall
2018

I pledge to donate both my time and money to organizations that I am passionate about. My goal us to donate 5-10% of my income starting 5 years after graduation.

Anonymous

Vanderbilt University

Fall
2018

10% of my income 4 years out and consistent volunteer work each month for an organization unrelated to my work

Anonymous

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Fall
2018

Once I have a secure job, I pledge to donate my support, time, and 10% of my income to nonprofits that align with my values. I do not seek to only support one issue area as I believe there are many different areas all worthy of donations. I also seek to donate organizations my friends and family are looking to support.

Anonymous

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Fall
2018

I seek to give both my time and 10% of what I earn back into the community I am apart of. There is no restriction or conditions on where I give, wherever it is most needed. I seek to volunteer my time as well, because relationship and love is one of the greatest things you can give freely.

Anonymous

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Fall
2018

I pledge to give, either through volunteering or finances, two years after graduating and beyond.Â I will be focusing on working with non-profits with a faith-based and/or social justice focus, or I will use this money to give financial support to those in fields that need to raise support, such as mission-work.Â If financially viable I will give 10% of my salary and volunteer when able.Â Otherwise, I aim to give 5% and do 70 hours of volunteer work a year.