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 dedicate everyday for the rest of my life actively working to dismantle white supremacy and institutional injustice. I feel I cannot state a percentage of my income I plan to give, as I do not see capital as the main form for advancement. I instead can vow to insert myself, to whatever means necessary, in the organization and mobilization of movements pertaining to downfall of hierarchal, hegemonic institutional systems.

Anonymous

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Fall
2018

I pledge to contribute my time volunteering and working at organizations that align with my values and passions, particularly community-based nonprofits that focus on youth development, mental health, and education. Once able, I will give 5% of my salary to organizations that address the root causes of poverty and inequality to create social change.

Anonymous

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Fall
2018

I pledge to contribute my time and, as I pass through varying stages of financial stability, appropriate portions of my salary back to the community. The community which I hope to impact may change over time, but I will always keep in mind why I’m contributing. With a combination of passion and a more utilitarian approach to examining nonprofits, I hope to play whatever role I can in attacking the root causes of poverty and many other socioeconomic injustices that are prevalent in society today.

Anonymous

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Fall
2018

I pledge to continue to live by my favorite quote “let no one come to you without living feeling better.” Such simple acts of kindness can blossom, shine, and ultimately become contagious. I not only pledge to give my time, talent, and treasure whenever and wherever I feel necessary, but always contribute to areas and organizations that align with my values, giving from the heart.

Anonymous

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Fall
2018

I pledge to continue to give in time, talent, and treasure throughout my life. I pledge to give to organizations that clearly represent my values and give as I am best fit. Throughout my life there will be many stages of giving from early career financial investments, financial stability in my middle age, time availability in retirement and through my bequest. I pledge to give 10% of my income to these organizations as well as at least an average of one hour a week.

Anonymous

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Fall
2018

I pledge to continue and increase my inolvement with nonprofit organizations that hold intrinsic value based off my past experiences. My passion to give back to the communities I’ve been fortunate to be a part of is what has brought me to where I am today, and I will keep this in mind as I move forward in life. I will serve as either a volunteer, employee, or board member for a minimum of 1 nonprofit organization that aligns with my own values after graduation and, once able, I will give at least 5% of my annual income to an organization that empowers the community(s) surrounding me.