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
2018

I pledge to give to organizations that align with my values and aim to increase social justice and address root causes of issues occurring within our society. I intend to contribute in whatever way possible and in whatever way will be most beneficial for organizations: whether it be a donation of my time, talent, or treasure.

Anonymous

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Fall
2018

I pledge to give my time to organizations that align with my values through volunteering and throughout my career. I want to contribute to organizations that address the root cause of issues and engage with the communities they are based in. I also have a goal of donating 5-10% of my income when I am able, to like minded organizations that support human rights and social injustices.

Anonymous

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Fall
2018

I pledge to give 10% of my salary for the first 5 years of my career. Then, I pledge to give 20% for the next 5 years and then either increase by another 5% in the next few years or stay until my salary will no longer increase. I also hope to help organizations by giving my time and talents about 5 hours a week.

Anonymous

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Fall
2018

I pledge to donate at least 10% of my annual income to organizations that I feel passionate about and that focus on the root causes of a societal issue. I also pledge to donate my time to these organizations and create relationships with stakeholders both internally and externally.

Anonymous

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Fall
2018

I pledge to donate 10% of my income to an organization(s) I am passionate about and willing to advocate and support once I have a secure job that keeps me financially stable. I also pledge to support and donate to organizations that have impacted my family and friends.

Anonymous

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Fall
2018

I pledge to dedicate my time and ultimately my career to the nonprofit sector, through accomplishing my undergraduate studies and eventually graduating from law school. I want to earn the highest degree that I can in order to give an equal voice to everyone impacted by the legal system. Eventually, when I have enough money to support myself and donate, I pledge to give at least 10% of what I make to causes that I feel passionate about and strongly want to advocate for.